By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Department of Health is concerned about the rise of flu cases across the country since the beginning of May.
The department was notified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the increasing circulation of influenza around the country.
“The increase in case numbers has been identified in six provinces – KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and North West – where surveillance is conducted,” says Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale.
“Although the majority of people with influenza will present with mild illness, influenza may cause severe illness, which may require hospitalisation or cause death, especially in individuals who are at risk of getting severe influenza illness or complications.
“People at increased risk of severe health complications of influenza include pregnant women, people living with conditions like HIV and other chronic illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease and obesity, the elderly (65 years and older) and children younger than 2 years old.
“The most common symptoms include fever, muscle pains and body aches, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, feeling tired or unwell and headache.”
Mohale says getting vaccinated against influenza is the best way to prevent infection.
“While the influenza vaccine should be administered at least before the influenza season (March to April), even if the season has already started, it is never too late to get vaccinated,” says Mohale.
“People who are infected with influenza can prevent spread by covering their mouth when coughing with a tissue or cough into the elbow; wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently with soap and water or cleaning hands using an alcohol-based sanitiser; or staying at home and trying to keep a distance from others.”
Flu vaccine remains the primary means for preventing seasonal influenza infection, and should be administered at least before the influenza season (March to April). However, even if the season has already started, it is never too late to get vaccinated, especially individuals who are high risk of severe influenza illness or complications.