The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to be cautious ahead of the upcoming Eid-Al-Adha holidays, amid an alarming increase in wide-spreading common cold infections and dengue cases.

In a publication, the public health authority revealed that as the number of social interactions in crowded places, household visits as well as people traveling abroad and to outlying atolls has been increasing, it is important to pay special attention to wide-spreading fever and common cold.

HPA has urged the public to do whatever they can to avoid catching the common cold and other such airborne viruses during the government holidays by taking the necessary preventative measures when going to public places.

The public is urged to seek medical assistance and consult a doctor if they are having common cold symptoms such as persistent cough, fever and sneezing for an extensive period or if they are considered high-risk individuals.

The public is urged to frequently wash their hands with soap and disinfectants to avoid spreading germs from one person to the other.

HPA has urged caution as common cold is also a respiratory disease that can quickly spread if within proximity.