Common cold on the rise

Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports common cold cases have surged during the first week of Ramadan.

HPA's Public Health Coordinator, Fathimath Ana, while speaking at a PSM-aired program on Saturday, said cases of common cold, viral fever and other contagious diseases have spiked.

She adds the contagious diseases are on the rise due to the increment in public gatherings and visitations during Ramadan. She said that during Ramadan, locals frequent public venues including restaurants and homes of their relatives for iftars.

HPA is currently taking measures to curtail the rise of contagious diseases.

"Our primary focus right now is to alert the public and disseminate information to the public. Through programmes like this, via social media platforms, Viber community groups, Twitter, and Facebook, we aim to reach out to the public and provide the information," Ana said.

She adds that timely information dissemination contributes towards a reduction in future cases.

Ana cautioned patients contracted with viral fever or cold to avoid visiting public venues. She further encouraged to practice cleanliness by regularly washing hands and wearing face masks.

She advised to increase sanitization and clean hands if anyone contracts fever or cold. Ana further advised individuals working in cafe's and restaurants to avoid attending their place of work for 48 hours if they show symptoms.

The news of surging common cold and viral fever have come following HPA's recent statistical update, confirming a reduction in dengue fever, cold, influenza, and diarrhea in February.