Social media users urged to stop spreading misinformation about Covid-19

The National Department of Health has urged social media users to stop the spread of misinformation regarding the Covid-19 Omicron XBB variant.

The notice issued at the end of April comes after the Department of Health noted that old misinformation was circulating on social media

The false information further advises people to wear face masks because of an allegedly “deadly and not easy-to-detect variant.

“This is a misleading message which first resurfaced during the peak of the pandemic without a traceable source.

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“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season,” the department stated

According to the department, Covid-19 remains circulating at relatively low levels around the country just like in other parts of the world.

It stated that the current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible.

However, the department said that taking protective measures daily, including non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, should prevent the spread of other respiratory infections including influenza.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country, has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which some can confuse for COVID-19 due to common symptoms.

The flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk of contracting the virus to get the flu vaccine to prevent severe health complications.

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As such community members are advised to get the influenza vaccine to prevent health complications this coming winter.

Where to get your flu shot

The vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge (on a first come-first serve basis) to those 65 years and older, people with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease and people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people.

The vaccine can also be purchased in the private sector at several pharmacies for other people who fall in the high-risk groups as well as for those who do not fall into one of the risk groups, but who would like to protect themselves from influenza.

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How does the flu spread

The influenza virus spreads from one person to another primarily through respiratory droplets and co-infections with other respiratory viruses can occur.

It is because of this that it is vital that people always cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, stay at home when sick, not touch one’s face with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with others when sick (especially those at risk of severe disease). This includes kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.

People infected with influenza are usually contagious for three to eight days.

Some of the common symptoms, include, but are not limited to runny nose, lack of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.