Beware of flu epidemic during prevailing cold weather

Cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, nasal congestion, muscle pains are common during this kind of weathe."

The public should take precautions against a possible flu epidemic if the present cold weather pattern continues, a senior Health official has warned.

The present climate of cold nights and early mornings with mist and even ground frost (in Nuwara Eliya) followed by dry weather during the day will continue in the coming weeks according to the Meteorology Department.

The Health Ministry’s Deputy Director General (Public Health) Dr. Sarath Amunugama has advised those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma to take extra caution.

“Cold and flu symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, nasal congestion, muscle pains are common during this kind of weather,” he said, adding, that the public should take steps to curb the spread of flu.

Meteorology Department’s Director (Forecasts) Anusha Warnasuriya said misty conditions will prevail especially in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces in the morning hours.

Nuwara-Eliya is experiencing a drop in morning temperature from 13 degrees to four to five degrees Celsius at dawn, along with ground frost as dawn breaks (Please see Page 16).

“Misty conditions will prevail until end of the north-east monsoon next month. Nights and mornings will be colder, ”she said.

She said motorists should be careful when driving in misty conditions due to poor visibility, adding that there are reports of mist even in Vavuniya.

Although there is zero rainfall, Ms.Warnasuriya said next week will see a few drizzles in the north and east province.

Dr. Amunugama advised the public to increase their intake of fluids to avoid dehydration in the prevailing dry weather.