Health Department warns of increase in respiratory infections

POLOKWANE – The national Department of Health has urged the public to get their annual flu vaccine in anticipation of the upcoming influenza season.

The flu vaccine is a way to take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones against respiratory infections that are expected to increase during winter.

Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at peak circulation in the country, while influenza virus infections are starting to increase.

“RSV can be confused by some people, with Covid-19 due to common symptoms. The RSV virus causes illness mainly in young children but also contributes to respiratory illness in older individuals. Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are seeing an increase in cases.”

According to the health department, the influenza season is expected to start in the next few weeks and people, especially those at high risk of severe influenza, like adults aged 65 and older, people with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease and people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant women, should get the influenza vaccine to prevent severe health complications in case they contract this virus.

The influenza vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge, on a first come-first serve basis, to people falling into the above-mentioned risk groups. 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.

With an increase in cases, a local doctor told the Polokwane Observer that swine flu is a result of Influenza A.

“We cannot test for swine flu. We test for influenza A and swine flu falls under that. It is not more serious than the flu, it is just like the seasonal flu,” he said.

Mohale said the influenza virus spreads mainly from one person to another by respiratory droplets and co-infections with other respiratory viruses can occur, hence it is important for people to always cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, stay at home when sick, not to touch one’s face with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with others when sick, especially those at risk of severe disease.”

Some of the common symptoms of this respiratory virus, include, but are not limited to runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

“Parents and caregivers are urged to take their children who experience difficulties with breathing, not drinking enough fluids and experiencing deteriorating symptoms to the nearest health facility or healthcare providers for medical attention without delay. People infected with influenza are usually contagious for three to eight days. Preventative measures such as wearing masks and social distancing are recommended especially for those who are ill.”