Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has allayed public fears following an increase in influenza cases across the country, saying the rise is consistent with the annual seasonal pattern typically experienced during the winter months.
Zimbabwe is experiencing its usual seasonal increase in influenza, commonly known as flu, which is generally recorded during June and July.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said it was closely monitoring the situation through the national disease surveillance system and health facilities across the country.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is closely monitoring the situation through the national disease surveillance system and health facilities. There is currently no cause for alarm, as the increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns,” read the statement.
Health institutions across the country have recorded an increase in flu cases over recent months, with some deaths also reported.
The ministry, however, urged members of the public, particularly those in vulnerable groups, to take precautionary measures and seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms.
“People at higher risk of severe influenza include young children and older persons, pregnant women and people living with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV, as well as those with weakened immunity,” said the ministry.
“These groups should seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms.”
The ministry said most people infected with influenza recover within a few days and encouraged affected individuals to rest, drink plenty of fluids and maintain good nutrition.
“Most people recover within a few days. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, maintain good nutrition and use paracetamol for fever or body aches as directed. Antibiotics do not treat influenza, as a virus causes it. They should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional,” read the statement.
The ministry warned that people experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention without delay.
Members of the public were advised to seek urgent medical care if they develop difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, convulsions or signs of dehydration. Medical attention should also be sought where symptoms worsen after initially improving.
“For young children, seek prompt medical attention if there is difficulty breathing, refusal to feed, or unusual drowsiness. The ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary,” read the statement.
“The public is encouraged to remain calm, take simple preventive measures, protect those at higher risk and seek timely medical care when needed.”
As part of efforts to curb the spread of influenza, the ministry urged members of the public to maintain good hygiene and take simple preventive measures.
These include washing hands regularly with soap and clean water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and keeping homes and workplaces well ventilated.
Members of the public were also urged to avoid close contact with people who are unwell and, where possible, stay at home when experiencing flu-like symptoms until they have recovered.
The ministry further strongly encouraged the wearing of masks in public, particularly in crowded places and where there is a higher risk of exposure.
