People falling sick to the common cold decreased significantly last year. As per the Annual Health Bulletin 2021, the number of cases dropped from 264,381 in 2019 to 148,429. It is the highest reduction in the last five years.
Although no studies have been conducted, health officials said the decrease could be due to the COVID-19 measures and the introduction of the influenza vaccine in the country.
“Due to the pandemic, we have been wearing masks and washing our hands frequently,” Dr GP Dhakal from the national referral hospital said.
According to health officials, the ministry’s effort towards promoting handwashing among the public gained momentum amid the pandemic.
The health assistant of Buli Hospital in Zhemgang, BK Thapa, said, “These days, people are more aware of hygiene, especially hand hygiene.”
“Since the start of the pandemic, we started using face masks and washing hands regularly. So, not many people suffer from common cold easily,” said Chimi Dem, a resident of Damphu town.
Kinzang in Zhemgang who received the influenza vaccine said that he did not catch a cold after getting the shot.
“We have been talking about how the flu shot helped in protecting us from catching a common cold.”
Reports show that the common cold has been affecting the highest number of Bhutanese for over a decade. A study by the Royal Center for Disease Control (RCDC) in 2016 found a high burden of influenza viruses, especially among young children and older people.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates about three to five million cases of severe illness including deaths due to the influenza outbreak every year.
Meanwhile, officials said, whatever the post-pandemic future holds, people should continue washing hands and wearing masks.
The head of the RCDC, Dr Sonam Wangchuk, said people should make the practice of wearing a face mask and washing hands a habit.
“Following the protocols while visiting public places would help in reducing the cases of common cold further.”
Dr GP Dhakal added, “Washing hands regularly protects us from so many other diseases and not just respiratory tract infections.”
Sonam Pem, Thimphu
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
