Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
While South Africans focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, another virus is making a comeback.
Influenza (Flu) cases in South Africa have been steadily increasing since August 23, 2021, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). However, according to reports, the virus is now picking up steam.
The total number of influenza cases increased from 68 to 226 during this period, according to data collected by the NICD’s syndromic sentinel surveillance programmes.
This includes influenza-like illness (ILI) and hospitalised cases of pneumonia, according to the NICD. Furthermore, private laboratories have reported an increase in the detection of influenza cases, and the NICD has received reports of clusters of influenza cases in schools and workplaces.
Seasonal influenza virus strains common in human populations include influenza A(H3N2), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B. Following its emergence in 2009, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, also known as “swine flu,” has been one of the circulating seasonal influenza strains.
The NICD notes, “The term “swine flu” should not be used as it causes unnecessary panic. The clinical course of infection and clinical management with this influenza strain is similar to that of other influenza strains.”
It is worth noting that the increase in case numbers has been observed in all five provinces where surveillance is carried out.
According to the NICD, the most common subtype and lineage detected to date is influenza B Victoria (87/226, 38.5%), followed by influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 (53/226, 23.5%) and influenza A (H3N2) (24/226, 10.6%).
Even though influenza detection rates in their surveillance programme exceed previous seasonal thresholds, the NICD notes that absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to previous years. This could be due to a decrease in health-seeking behaviour following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
“Although the majority of people with influenza will present with mild illness, influenza may cause severe illness, which may require hospitalisation or cause death, especially in individuals who are at risk of getting severe influenza complications,” comments Dr Sibongile Walaza, Medical Epidemiologist at the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis (CRDM) at the NICD.
Pregnant women, HIV-infected individuals, those with chronic illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, and obesity, the elderly (65 and older), and children under the age of two are at an increased risk of severe influenza complications. These groups should be encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
“The increase in influenza in the summer, which is not the typical time for the influenza season, is likely the result of relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions to control COVID-19, combined with an immunity gap due to influenza not circulating for two years (2020 and 2021) in South Africa (as a result of these interventions),” adds Prof Cheryl Cohen, Head of the CRDM.
She emphasises that the influenza vaccine remains the primary means of preventing seasonal influenza infection and that it should ideally be administered before the influenza season, which runs from March to April.
Because of recent reductions in transmission, the NICD predicts that influenza may not circulate during the traditional seasonal period.
“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.”
Prof Cheryl Cohen
The NICD recommends the following precautions to avoid contracting or spreading flu:
- Avoid coming into contact with sick people.
- If you are ill, stay at home.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose, and clean and disinfect public areas.
What are your thoughts on the influenza outbreak? Share your views in the comment section below.
RELATED NEWS
