Reports show steady increase in influenza-like cases
Despite the warmer months not being the typical time for the influenza season, the NICD has received reports of clusters of influenza cases in schools and workplaces.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has noted a steady increase in the number of influenza cases between August and November. This is despite the warmer months not being the typical time for the influenza season.
In a statement NICD, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, stated that syndromic sentinel surveillance programmes, which was conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape, have reported a steady increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and pneumonia (hospitalised cases) from week 34 (starting 23 August) and a sharp increase from week 44 (starting 1 November).
NICD added that they have in addition received reports of clusters of influenza cases in schools and workplaces.
“As of week 44 which ended on November 7, the total number of influenza cases detected by the programme has increased from 68 in week 34 to 226. To date, the most commonly detected subtype and lineage is influenza B Victoria (38.5%) followed by influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 “swine flu” (23.5%) and influenza A (H3N2) (10.6%).”
They said that even though the detection rates for influenza exceed previous seasonal thresholds, absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to previous years, possibly as a result of reduced health-seeking behaviour following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
According to Dr Sibongile Walaza, a Medical Epidemiologist at the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis (CRDM) at the NICD, the majority of patients will present mild symptoms. She however warned that influenza may also lead to severe illness, which may require hospitalisation or even cause death due to severe influenza complications.
Walaza said that those who are at an increased risk of severe complications include, pregnant women, HIV-infected individuals, those with chronic illnesses or conditions like diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease and obesity; the elderly (65 years and older) and children under the age of two years. “These groups should be encouraged to seek medical help early,” she emphasised.
Preventative measures
Prof Cheryl Cohen, Head of the CRDM at the NICD said the public can take use certain preventative measures to minimise the spread of the illness. These include avoiding close contact with sick people, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear your mask, clean your hands regularly, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose and clean and disinfect common places.
She added that the influenza vaccine however, remains the primary means for preventing seasonal influenza infection. “It is never too late to vaccinate during periods when influenza is circulating, especially for individuals with underlying conditions which put them at increased risk of severe influenza illness or complications.”
She concluded that even thought it is never too late to vaccinate during periods when influenza is circulating, the ideal time to vaccinate is before the influenza season – from March to April.
