By Lindelwa Dlamini
MBABANE – The Ministry of Health yesterday (Monday, June 10, 2024) cautioned members of the public about the influenza outbreak.
The caution was issued by Director of Health Services Dr Velephi Okello, who pleaded with members of the public to be on the watch for this disease. Dr Okello said the health department was now able to diagnose at least three types of flu-like symptoms.
Okello encouraged Emaswati who were never vaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine this winter in order for them to be protected from this deadly flue. She also advised the nation to wear mask if they have flu-like symptoms to avoid spreading it.
There were heightened fears the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that claimed thousands of lives locally, regionally and globally in recent years had made a comeback.
“The current wave of flu-like illnesses seems to be from common colds associated with the season (winter) we have just entered. There were 5 Covid-19 cases confirmed this week” said Okello.
Ministry of Health has concluded investigations over a spike in flu-like illnesses across the country which they record every day. They assured the public that the symptoms appear to be those associated with common colds prevalent in the current winter season.
What causes influenza?
The flu is caused by an influenza virus. Most people get the flu when they breathe in tiny airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
How serious is influenza?
Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.
What are the 4 symptoms of influenza?
Symptoms of influenza A infection include fever, chills, muscle pains, coughing and a sore throat. Influenza A is diagnosed through a PCR test, which can tell influenza A apart from Influenza B and other similar viruses.
