Get anti-influenza drugs within 48 hours: UAE ministry

As part of its strategy to provide a comprehensive and integrated health care in an innovative and sustainable environment to ensure community wellness, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) assured the community that with starting of the influenza season, the recorded cases are among the expected at this time of the year and there is no unexpected increase in the numbers reported at the country level.
MOHAP works with local health entities to strengthen national influenza response capacities including diagnostics, antiviral susceptibility monitoring, disease surveillance and outbreak responses, and to increase vaccine coverage among high-risk groups, the ministry said in a press statement on Monday.
Influenza is a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system in humans due to influenza virus which affects all age groups. The illness can vary from light to severe flu infection. The most common symptoms are rise in body temperature (fever), Coughing (usually dry), Body aches, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea in some people, especially children.
Seasonal flu spreads easily through the inhalation of droplets that carry the virus, from coughing or sneezing; or when touching surfaces contaminated by the flu virus and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. The duration of the infection varies from one day before the onset of symptoms to 5-7 days after the onset, and this period can last longer in children and people with weak immune system.
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Most patients recover from fever and other symptoms within one week without the need for medical intervention. Taking available anti-viral drugs helps preventing the complications and treatment is most effective if taken in a timely manner within 48-72 hours from starting the symptoms.