Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
OVER 3 500 influenza cases were recorded during the past week in Zimbabwe, with health and weather experts urging members of the public to take extra caution as the winter season approaches.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child disease surveillance weekly report show that the provinces that reported the highest number of suspected influenza cases were Manicaland with 1 024 cases and Mashonaland Central, which had 939 cases.
According to the report, a total of 3 566 suspected influenza cases and zero deaths were reported this week. The cumulative figures for influenza are 79 615 and zero deaths.
Meteorological Services Department (MSD) chief forecaster, Mr James Ngoma said cold morning conditions being experienced in some parts of the country may affect vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, very young and persons with an ill disposition.
He said it may also affect plants and animals while respiratory-related illnesses tend to increase during this period.
“We are in the transition period between summer and winter. Our rainfall season has just ended and we are now approaching winter. Our nights become cooler, but the days are still warm, so that transition period has got very cold nights while the daytimes tend to be very hot in some areas,” said Mr Ngoma.
“We still have a few windy spells that also cause a bit of a cold spell over the southern areas covering parts of Matabeleland South into Masvingo as well as Manicaland. As we transition further into winter, we expect more of these cooling, southerly winds that will make the daytimes much, much cooler than they are currently.”
Mr Ngoma said the transition leads to bodily shocks and can affect some people with existing conditions.
“Based on that, while you might get further information from the experts, we know that common colds tend to affect different types of people during this period. Added to that, on the poultry side, the day-old chicks are also affected by these falling temperatures and plants, too, are also affected,” he said.
“So, we need a wide plethora of specialists, those that deal with the health, the human health, to advise you more on the aspects such as colds, flu, as well as other respiratory diseases that might affect the body when temperatures fall, especially when there are these changes, as we transition from summer to winter.”
Mr Ngoma said farmers can approach agronomists for advice on managing frost.
Local medical practitioner, Dr Misheck Ruwende said there were several preventive measures that members of the public can take to avoid infections associated with cold weather.
“Making sure that people stay away from people who look sick or with flu symptoms is the first measure. So, the idea is to eat more fruits and vegetables to boost our immune system as the second step.
Some people can be vaccinated since there’s a flu vaccine that people can get, which is the best and common way to prevent flu in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“When one falls sick or has flu, they must always avoid public spaces, so that they don’t spread the virus. Those who are sick should drink lots of water and rest to allow the immune system to fight off the infection.”
Dr Ruwende said flu or colds do not require antibiotics and as such, residents should desist from abusing drugs.
“If one has flu, he or she should take fruits and to prevent flu, people should take ginger. Generally within seven days, one should be fine with flu and if it goes beyond seven days, then you must go to the hospital,” he said.
Dr Ruwende urged members of the public to adhere to hygiene standards such as washing hands with soap and water.
Online Reporter