The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged people to get vaccinated against H1N1, H3N2, a variant of influenza that is prevalent these days.

HPA said that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against COVID-19 and influenza.

Vaccination, especially children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions that require long-term treatment, protects against growing up, HPA said.

Compared to November and December last year, the number of influenza cases has increased so far this year. During this period, there has been an increase in influenza, COVID-19 and measles cases in regional countries as well.

The maldives is also witnessing an increase in influenza due to increased travel during the school holidays.

Influenza statistics:

  • September: 41 new cases reported
  • October: 46 new cases reported
  • November: 24 new cases reported
  • December: 24 new cases reported
  • So far this month, 19 new cases have been reported

Internal Doctor at IGMH, Dr. Mohamed Ali, said in a post on X on Monday that a person had died of A H1N1, a variant of influenza. He added that three patients suffering from pneumonia due to the disease were being treated on ventilators.

"Within 30 days, one person succumbed to the disease," Dr. Mohammad Ali said in his post.

He said that even if influenza spreads, it will not turn into a pandemic.

Dr. Mohammad Ali stressed on the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent people from reaching a life-threatening point with influenza, and that Aasandha will cover it.