As everyone in Bangkok shivers during the unusual cold weather, health officials have warned people to wrap up warm to prevent flu and pneumonia.
The Ministry of Public Health said cold weather tends to increase the number of cases, with already 8,000 people this year affected.
Of the 6,000 people suffering pneumonia, five have died. However there have been no reported deaths from the 2,000 cases of flu so far.
Thailand has an average of 200,000 cases of flu and pneumonia each year, with approximately 1,000 of them being fatal.
Hospitals have been advised to stay on the alert in treating flu and pneumonia patients, whose weakened state can cause them to suffer complications from other diseases.
The health ministry urged the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid contact with known patients, and avoid areas that are excessively cold, polluted, or poorly ventilated.
Flu can spread through coughing or physical contact, and early symptoms include fever, coughing, soreness, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and stuffy nose.
Those who don’t show signs of improvement after 48 hours are urged to seek medical attention.
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