Flu is On The Rise Following The Loosening Of Covid-19 Lockdowns

During the global Covid-19 lockdowns and mask usage, diseases like pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and tuberculosis may have been controlled.

However, there have been indications from around the world that those epidemics are resurfacing in unique and distinct forms.
The 2022 influenza season began in week 17 – April 25 – when the flu specificity among patients in pneumonia surveillance surpassed the epidemic threshold as assessed by the Moving Epidemic Method, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Based on data collected through May 28, the NICD each week respiratory pathogens surveillance survey stated that 192 influenza incidents have been found this year, with a “growing proportion of patients recorded the prior four weeks.”

A sentinel surveillance locations, the most incidents were identified in Gauteng (66), KwaZulu-Natal (49), Mpumalanga (43), the Western Cape (18), as well as the North West (16).

Dr. Lourens Terblanche, medical director of Sanofi South Africa, said there seemed to be a significant rise in flu infections both locally and internationally.

“While the Covid pandemic’s quarantines, social distancing, as well as mask usage, limited the influenza virus’s ability to spread, the removal of necessary prohibitions may permit a jump in flu infections.”

Covid-19 and influenza, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are both infectious respiratory disorders with several signs in common. They are, however, caused by separate viruses.

“Sudden onset of temp, muscle aches & body pain, chronic cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, feeling fatigued or sick, and headache are the most frequent indications of influenza.”

The majority of people’s symptoms go away without therapy. Complex influenza infections, on the other hand, can result in significant sickness and, in certain circumstances, death.

“Flu patients who are critically ill should be hospitalized.” Pneumonia is the most common influenza consequence.”

According to the World Health Organization, flu vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent sickness and lower the chance of becoming extremely ill, reported by The Washington Post

 

 

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