Stay Ahead of the Flu: Insights from Chula Pharmacists

    Lately, it seems like everywhere you look, someone is sneezing or coughing. That’s because the flu is making a strong comeback. According to the Department of Disease Control, from January 1 to February 17, there have been 107,570 reported cases and 9 deaths. This year’s flu season is shaping up to be worse than 2024, with the highest infection rates among children. Typically, flu cases peak in the rainy and winter seasons, and experts estimate that the number of infections could reach a staggering 903,446.

Why Do We Keep Catching the Flu?

    One of the main reasons is that the influenza virus constantly mutates, leading to new strains that can spread more easily or cause more severe symptoms. The severity of each outbreak depends on factors such as vaccination rates, previous exposure, and individual immunity levels. Additionally, personal behaviors like mask-wearing, frequent handwashing, and social distancing play a crucial role in limiting the spread. If these preventive measures are followed strictly, the flu’s impact can be significantly reduced.

    Weather also contributes to flu outbreaks. Cold and humid conditions, common during the rainy and winter seasons, allow the virus to survive and spread more effectively.

Flu, Common Cold, or COVID?

    If you develop a runny nose and fever, how can you tell whether it’s the flu, a common cold, or COVID-19? The simplest way is to use a test kit. Nowadays, 3-in-1 test kits can detect COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B, while 4-in-1 kits also check for RSV infections. Early detection helps guide proper treatment.

Flu symptoms typically include:

    ✅ High fever

    ✅ Extreme fatigue

    ✅ Headache

    ✅ Severe muscle aches

    ✅ Dry cough

    ✅ Runny nose and sore throat (in some cases)

    To reduce your risk of getting sick, avoid close contact with people who show flu-like symptoms, wear a mask in crowded areas, wash your hands regularly with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you do get sick, stay home to prevent spreading the virus—especially to vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

Free Flu Vaccination for At-Risk Groups

    The Department of Disease Control has announced that high-risk individuals can receive a free flu vaccine from May 1 to August 31, 2025. Those eligible include:

    🔹 Pregnant women (12+ weeks)

    🔹 Children (6 months to 2 years old)

    🔹 Patients with chronic diseases (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, cancer undergoing chemotherapy)

    🔹 Seniors (65+)

    🔹 Individuals with severe disabilities

    🔹 Patients with thalassemia or weakened immune systems, including symptomatic HIV patients

    🔹 Obese individuals (BMI over 35 or weight above 100 kg)

    Even if you’re not in a high-risk group, getting vaccinated is still highly recommended. Not only does it protect you from severe illness, but it also helps prevent spreading the flu to those who are more vulnerable.

Why Get a Flu Shot Every Year?

    Since flu viruses mutate constantly, the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors circulating strains and updates vaccine formulations annually. This is why getting a flu shot every year is essential—it ensures your immune system is equipped to fight the latest strains effectively.

    Stay safe and take proactive steps to protect yourself and those around you this flu season!

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University