Flu cases rise in South Africa

The National Department of Health says there has been a significant increase in the number of influenza cases in the country since the beginning of May.

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According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the cases have been steadily increasing since early April. It has received reports of influenza clusters in schools and workplaces.

"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.

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.’’

"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," added Foster Mohale, says Health Department spokesperson.

 

Done By: Mitchum George