Epidemiology Unit reveals that the number of influenza patients is increasing across the island.Health authorities request the public to remain attentive by following simple precautionary measures to control the spread of the disease.Epidemiology Unit community specialist doctor and influenza coordinator Dr Jeewatharani Hamsananthi stated that influenza patients are monitored through hospitals located island-wide, and that information is provided weekly to doctors and regional health authorities to regulate health service responses.Speaking further, Dr Hamsananthi noted:"An increase in influenza patients is seen currently. Although an increase in patients is shown, adopting infection prevention measures is very important. As during COVID-19, personal and respiratory hygiene methods must be followed to control and prevent the disease. If precautionary behavioural measures are maintained as during the pandemic period, rapid spread of the disease can be prevented."Anyone with symptoms of respiratory infections is advised to wear a mask generally. Rather than everyone wearing masks as during COVID times, people with symptoms should wear masks as a personal protective measure to prevent transmitting the disease to others.The antiviral medicine named Oseltamivir is also available in hospitals through the Medical Supplies Division and regional medical supplies divisions, she mentions."This medicine must be given only on medical recommendations of specialist doctors, paediatricians, or physicians. This cannot be purchased from pharmacies without a medical recommendation."Treatment is commenced within 24 hours based on clinical observation, and high-risk patients such as pregnant mothers and individuals suffering from long-term illnesses are properly evaluated, hospitalised if necessary, and prescribed medicine after examination by specialist doctors, she explains.Furthermore, using antiviral medicine without a formal procedure brings no benefit, and drug resistance can be caused by it, she warns.The Epidemiology Unit regulates this medicine through treatment guidelines and checks medication usage records before administration.Although the influenza vaccine is available in the private sector, it is not included in the national immunisation programme of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Hamsananthi mentions that high-risk individuals and people travelling abroad generally obtain this vaccine from the private sector.