• Health authorities urge preventive measures to avert wider outbreak

Sri Lanka is experiencing a rise in influenza infections across the country, the Epidemiology Unit reveals, urging the public to remain vigilant as it stresses that simple preventive behaviour can help prevent a wider surge. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Epidemiology Unit Consultant Community Physician and Focal Point for Influenza Dr. Jeevatharan Hamsananthy stated that the unit maintained influenza surveillance through sentinel hospitals across the country and shared weekly findings with clinicians and regional health authorities to guide the public health response.

“Influenza currently appears to be on the rise,” she said, noting that while there was an increase in cases, initiatives to prevent infection were of utmost importance.  Dr. Hamsananthy added: “Personal hygiene and respiratory hygiene should be practised to manage and prevent infection, similar to Covid-19 measures. If we maintain behavioural preventive actions like during the pandemic, a surge can be avoided. “We normally advise anyone with respiratory infection symptoms to wear a mask. Rather than universal masking like during Covid-19, masks should be worn as personal protection by those with symptoms to prevent infecting others.”

She further stated that the antiviral oseltamivir was available through the Medical Supplies Division and regional medical supplies divisions at hospitals.“It must be prescribed by doctors or specialists – clinicians, pediatricians, or physicians. It cannot be purchased over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription,” she said.Dr. Hamsananthy explained that treatment was initiated based on clinical suspicion, ideally within 24 hours. High-risk patients, including pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, should be properly evaluated and, where necessary, admitted and examined by specialists before the medicine is prescribed.She further warned that indiscriminate use of antivirals provided no benefit and could contribute to drug resistance. The unit regulates the medicine through treatment guidelines and monitors usage reports before replenishing supplies.Although influenza vaccination is available in the private sector, it is not part of Sri Lanka’s national immunisation programme. Dr. Hamsananthy said that high-risk individuals and people travelling abroad commonly obtained the vaccine privately.