Health department dismisses claims about new Covid-19 variant

The national health department has dismissed reports of a new Covid-19 variant.

The department has distanced itself from fake news about the Covid-19 Omicron XBB variant circulating on social media platforms, advising people to wear face masks because of an allegedly deadly and difficult-to-detect variant.

“This is a misleading message which first resurfaced during the peak of the pandemic without a traceable source,” said departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale.

Mohale urged members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content.

“These fake social posts are intended to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season,” Mohale said.

He said the fact of the matter was that Covid-19 was still circulating at relatively low levels around the country, just like in other parts of the world.

“Thus, there is no need for the public to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both vaccines and infections. The current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible.”

He said if people take protective measures in their daily lives, including non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, it would help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections, including influenza.

He added that the department would keep the public informed as and when there was a surge in cases of illness caused by any virus of concern or outbreak of any disease.

Listen to Foster Mohale: https://fb.watch/rP00JPAsNS/

What you need to know about the influenza virus and ways to manage it:

MMC for Health in Tshwane Rina Marx said with the winter season starting, there is likely to be an increase in the number of reported flu cases.

“Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory tract illness caused by the influenza virus, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).”

Three different strains can cause seasonal flu, namely: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B.

How is the flu transmitted?

The virus spreads from one infected person to another through the inhaling of infected respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing or talking. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces that the flu virus is on and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

What are the symptoms:

Fever, a runny and congested nose, cough, tiredness, muscle pain, body aches, headaches, cold shivers and hot sweats.

In some cases, flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia. The symptoms develop any time from one to four days after infection and may last for two to seven days.

For most people, the symptoms commonly resolve without treatment.

How is influenza treated?

Most infected people will only need bed rest, to drink enough fluids and potentially take paracetamol or similar medication to help with the fever or aches. Serious cases do require hospitalisation.

Which are the high-risk groups?

According to the NICD, people at increased risk of severe illness or complications include pregnant women, people with HIV, people with chronic conditions (diabetes, lung disease, TB, heart disease, renal disease and obesity), the elderly and children younger than two years.

How can influenza be prevented?

To prevent infection, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. It is also important to avoid contact with sick people.

Marx said flu vaccines are also recommended. Flu vaccines are available at all public health facilities for free.

 

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

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