HPA urges precaution as influenza spreads strongly alongside common cold

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to take precautions as influenza spreads strongly alongside the common cold during this period. According to HPA, many people are reporting being affected by these illnesses during this period. The agency has requested that if a child with fever or the common cold shows certain specific symptoms, medical treatment should be sought without delay. These are: - Inability to urinate for six hours or eight hours - Becoming very restless or becoming very weak - Breastfed children not feeding properly HPA said that if influenza is contracted, the condition of children under five years of age, and especially children under two years of age, could become serious. Along with this, the effects of these illnesses are greater on pregnant women and the elderly. The symptoms of this illness include fever and cold, headache or body aches, and redness of the eyes. Also, coughing and difficulty breathing after the lungs are affected are among the symptoms. Although the symptoms of both illnesses are similar, the illness is caused by two different viruses, and the effects of influenza are greater than those of the common cold. Things that can be done to protect against these illnesses include washing hands frequently with soap, wearing a mask if symptoms are present or in crowded places, and paying attention to cleanliness.