Authorities at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo have confirmed a flu outbreak in the city, with young children under five being the most affected.
Mpilo Central Hospital Clinical Director Solwayo Ngwenya said that the hospital has seen a rise in cases of toddlers seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses. He said:
<blockquote>
We do not have children admitted with a specific flu bug. However, there appears that there is a slight increase in sick children with respiratory disease. It is probably a seasonal trend.
I urge parents to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the flu. If the children are very sick with high temperatures, sneezing and coughing, seek medical attention earlier rather than later.
</blockquote>
Ngwenya urged parents to keep children who appear severely unwell at home to prevent the spread of infection to others, especially in schools.
Pharmacists at local pharmacies in the city have also confirmed a surge in demand for children’s flu medication over the past three weeks. Said a pharmacist:
<blockquote>
We have seen an increase in parents seeking medication for their toddlers which suggests that the flu bug is indeed spreading rapidly.
We have been overwhelmed with concerned parents seeking help for their sick children and unfortunately, we have temporarily run out of children’s flu medication. We are working to restock our shelves as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/flu-bug-hits-bulawayo/">HeraldOnline</a>

Pindula News

The hospital in Bulawayo has a flu outbreak, affecting kids under five the most. The hospital saw more sick toddlers with respiratory problems. The hospital director advises parents to watch out for signs of flu in kids like high fever, sneezing, and coughing. Parents should keep very sick kids at home to prevent spreading the flu. Pharmacies noticed a lot of parents asking for children's flu medicine. They ran out of medicine but are working on restocking. It's important to take care and be cautious during this flu outbreak.

Flu Outbreak Hits Bulawayo, Children Under Five Most Affected

The government has recommended that people with flu-like symptoms wear masks and seek early medical assistance.
Some organisations have made face masks mandatory while some individuals are choosing to do so voluntarily to protect themselves and others from the flu.
Face masks were mandatory at the height of the coronavirus crisis as the government sought to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/face-masks-are-backpublic-takes-measures-to-curb-flu-outbreak/">Chronicle</a> that the country is not experiencing a flu outbreak but those with flu-like symptoms should wear masks in public places. He said:
<blockquote>
We encourage those with flu-like symptoms to mask up in schools and at the workplace. It’s not like an outbreak, we are in winter and we expect such cases. Everything is under control and people should not be worried.
We also encourage people to stay hydrated by taking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter common cold remedies.
</blockquote>
Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, warned that as the country approaches the peak of the winter season, cases of flu will increase. He said:
<blockquote>
It is good to note that people are responding well to this flu and most seem to be masking up willingly.
This is a great indicator that people remember the COVID-19 campaigns and are still adhering to them.
</blockquote>
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned members of the public that chances of getting a cough, influenza or a cold increase during this transition period towards winter, hence people should dress warmly and ensure that vulnerable members of society are kept warm both early morning and late evening.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Recommends Mask-Wearing To Curb Flu Outbreak

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is investigating an increase in flu-like illnesses across the country to determine whether it might be the outbreak of a new virus.
Last week, the Ministry of Health reported an increase in influenza cases to more than 87,000 since the beginning of January this year.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-investigates-surge-in-flu-like-illnesses/">The Herald</a>, Ministry of Health and Child Care Secretary Aspect Maunganidze said:
<blockquote>
We have indeed noticed through our surveillance, in terms of diseases in the country, that there has been an increase in flu-like illnesses. We have not confirmed that it’s a new virus yet.
This is expected in the season that we are going (into), but we have also noticed in the region, in particular Botswana, where they have also recorded a high incidence of influenza-like illnesses.
People need to practise strong hygiene, especially hand hygiene. Avoid touching your face, or your nostrils, because the virus is found even on surfaces and in the air from droplets that people will be coughing or sneezing. So once you touch them and you also touch your face, you increase the chances of getting the flu.
In addition, you need to wash your hands where you can. You can wear your mask, especially if you have started to have flu-like symptoms and you want to avoid passing it on to others.
</blockquote>
Maunganidze urged members of the public to adhere to healthy lifestyles and eat vitamin C-rich foods to avoid falling ill.
Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, guava, papaya and broccoli, among others.
He also warned against self-medicating and unnecessarily taking antibiotics, unless prescribed by a health professional. Said Maunganidze:
<blockquote>
There is generally no need to be taking antibiotics unless prescribed by the doctor. So we need to avoid abuse of these antibiotics as this also increases the chances of antimicrobial resistance.
In general, we need to keep ourselves alert and if symptoms of flu are not settling or they are worsening after 10 to 14 days, with additional chest symptoms and coughing of blood and other symptoms, then you need to make sure you are checked by a doctor.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Records An Increase In Flu-like Illnesses

A doctor who spoke to The Chronicle on condition of anonymity warned of a flu virus which may lead to pneumonia and death if not treated early.
He said:
<blockquote>This kind of flu is dangerous and may lead to pneumonia and death if people delay seeking proper medical attention. We are likely to have more cases as we transition into the hot season. We have had cases of people who developed pneumonia due to that and it’s a normal pattern, considering that this winter was very cold.</blockquote>
He also gave advice on when to administer treatment but said cough syrups will not help cure this type of flu. He said:
<blockquote>You start giving patients antibiotics when they produce creamish or yellowish, greenish mucus which means there is transformation from viral to bacterial phase. Patients at this phase may be given antibiotics immediately when their immune system is weak and they are prone to pneumonia. If you address the cause you apply the use of antibiotics and it’s up to the doctor to see improvement and do further tests. They can do a chest X-ray to check for bronchopneumonia. They shouldn’t rely on cough mixtures especially now as this strain of flu can cause pneumonia and if they delay they may die.</blockquote>
When contacted for confirmation by The Chronicle, Ministry of Health and Child Care Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Dr Portia Manangazira said that they will meet today to discuss the issue.
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/killer-flu-breaks-out-doctors-advise-early-treatment/">Chronicle</a>

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