Flu cases have been on the rise since April, with clusters of infection in schools and workplaces.
“The virus spreads from person to person through inhalation of infected respiratory droplets when people are 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,” said the department.
“People at increased risk of severe health complications of influenza include pregnant women, people living with conditions like HIV and others chronic illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease and obesity.”Dr Marlin McKay, who runs his medical practice in Roodepoort, told TimesLIVE people with respiratory syncytial virus infection, flu and Covid-19 show similar symptoms, making it hard to make a definite diagnosis without tests.
“I send patients for a triple swab. We are looking for Covid-19, influenza and RSV and that is how we are making the diagnoses. It is no longer a clinical thing, we want it confirmed by a lab,” he said. McKay said those infected with Covid-19 often show milder symptoms than they would have two years ago.
“The influenza and RSV infection symptoms have been a lot worse than Covid-19. That is what we have been seeing.” READ MORE:
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Health department warns of rising flu cases | The Citizen❄️🤧 As the first official weekend of winter sets in, the health department raises concerns about a surge in influenza 🌡️ cases across the country. Read more on TheCitizenNews ⬇️
Read more »
Health Department concerned over steadily rising flu cases in six provinces | News24The national Department of Health is concerned about the rise of flu cases across the country since the beginning of May. | Lisaleesolomon1
Read more »
South Africans urged to vaccinate against flu as cases riseThe National Institute for Communicable Diseases said there has been an increase in flu cases across the country as the winter season settles.
Read more »
Experts warn bird flu virus changing rapidly in largest ever outbreak | BusinessThe virus causing record cases of avian influenza in birds across the world is changing rapidly, experts have warned, as calls increase for countries to vaccinate their poultry. | News24_Business
Read more »
Western Cape chicken farms on high alert after bird flu outbreak - SABC NewsChicken and egg farmers have been warned to increase the biosecurity measures on their farms. This follows the outbreak of five highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses at two farms in the Western Cape. The bird flu outbreak has led to concerns of a chicken and egg shortage after a number of items were pulled from …
Read more »