Symptoms include sudden fever , dry cough , runny nose , headache , muscle and joint pain. Although these symptoms improve within a week , those who are at risk of the disease , especially children, occasionally develop pneumonia ; They may even die. How does it spread ? When one is infected , the virus spreads to others through sneezing and coughing. It can also be spread by hand. Usually in places where crowds are high , such as nurseries , schools , markets , mosques, etc., many people get the disease from one person to another. How to prevent ? If a child is infected with influenza, parents should not send him to school. Even if they are adults, they will refrain from going to public places . Do not shake hands with an infected patient , or wash hands immediately. When coughing or sneezing , cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper and wash your hands frequently. The disease can also be prevented by vaccination. This vaccine is available in our country. The vaccine is completely safe and highly effective. Children or the elderly who are at risk can get the vaccine. If you have fever, give paracetamol. Repeatedly sponge the body. Give more water , sherbet , fruit juice to eat. If symptoms of pneumonia are seen , see a doctor immediately. Professor Tahmina Begum Department of Pediatrics , Ibrahim Medical College and Birdem Source: Dainik Prothom Alo