If you’re planning a trip to Thailand anytime soon, it’s best to take some precautions.
Thailand is seeing a major surge in influenza infections, with 9 confirmed deaths as of the time of writing (February 20). Thailand’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said that 7,819 cases of influenza were reported in the country this year as of January 25.
By February 15, just 21 days later, the number rose to 99,057.
As of yesterday (February 19), the number has reached 107,570, reported The Nation and VN Express.
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The ministry also said that H1N1 is the main virus strain active in Thailand at present, these are the top 10 provinces that are worst hit by influenza:
- Hayao
- Lamphun
- Chiang Rai
- Phuket
- Chiang Mai
- Lampang
- Bangkok
- Nan
- Ratchathani and Nonthaburi
- Ubon
Schools, prisons, and military camps reported the highest number of infections
Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buri Ram, and Chaiyaphum were the worst affected, with about 6,938 patients. Somsak also called on people showing flu-like symptoms to stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Health officials have also been speeding up the supply of vaccines to sensitive groups, particularly children and senior citizens.
New patients have increased by about 15,000 per week, compared to 10,000 per week during the same period in 2024.
Anyone with chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes, pregnant women, and children are at high risk of the virus and are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
Yong Poovorawan, a virologist at the Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine, posted an advisory on Facebook on February 9 saying that travellers to countries in the northern hemisphere should get a flu shot at least two weeks before going abroad.
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In another Facebook post, Yong also said there is no specific treatment for the said influenza, and patients will be treated according to symptoms.
“Influenza is seasonal. It spreads in the cold season in the northern and southern hemispheres,” Yong said.
Do take some precautions and mask up if you’re going to Thailand soon.
