South Africa could see more cases of swine flu

South Africans are preparing for a bad influenza season following reports of the virulent H3N3 virus that has left many patients hospitalized in the northern hemisphere and some of whom have died.

Local health authorities predict that South Africa is not likely to have fatal H3N3, but could see more cases of swine flu, which caused panic there is almost ten years after an epidemic in some parts of the world. The Cape Town Department of Health has stated that the H1N1 strain has been in existence for at least nine years. Department spokesman Mark van der Heever said: "A (H1N1) or" swine flu "has been the main strain detected so far.

" This strain of flu is one of our influenza strains circulating since 2009. As new strains of influenza emerge each year, the flu vaccine is updated to specifically protect against the viruses most likely to infect this year.

"This is based on the data collected by the global surveillance of influenza."

According to the latest information from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, 98% of influenza infections recorded so far have been strain A (H1N1). 19659002] Dr. Sibongile Walaza, a medical epidemiologist of the institute, said that H3N2 was the predominant circulating strain in the northern hemisphere in 2017/18 and had been the predominant strain in South Africa. last year, "we did not experience the same severity as seen in the northern hemisphere".

"This year, the predominant strain is A (H1N1), and the level of transmission is similar to that of previous years.This strain emerged globally in 2009 and behaved like all strains of seasonal flu in recent years – patients infected with this strain should be treated as any other case of seasonal flu.

"At this stage, there is no indication that the flu season South African will be more severe. We are monitoring the season on an ongoing basis. "

The influenza season in SA began the first week of May and is expected to continue until September.

Dr. Leon Naidoo, Medical Specialist and Pneumologist at Netcare Alberlito Ballito Hospital , in KwaZulu-Natal, said that one usually had to "avoid a cold or flu infection."

"Most people will just need to treat the symptoms and will need a few days rest in bed.

"However, if any of the symptoms, such as fever, cough, headache or congestion persist, consult a doctor.

" If symptoms do not occur do not improve, this may be an indication that you have developed a secondary infection or a more serious complication, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. "

The homeopath and acupuncturist Bruce Thomson has said that up until the end of the day. now typical influenza season with a significant increase in patient visits with intense viral symptoms

"This year, intense fever, swollen enlarged ganglia, and slowly recurrent headaches are noteworthy.

Thomson stated that for all homeopathically treated conditions, the immune system was "allowed to function fully" with as much support as the practitioner was able to provide.

To leave the patient stronger and more adaptable to the challenges posed by future strains of the virus, the homeopathic remedies used mirrored those that were more commonly reported during the northern hemisphere flu season, he said.

Thomson offered preventive advice to fight the flu naturally:

* Get plenty of fresh air, unprocessed fresh foods (as organic as possible), water and, most importantly , rest.

* Make sure your plate contains a lot of colorful food. The pigments in fresh foods contain a multitude of phytochemicals that provide vitamins, sterols, sterolins and other micronutrients that we need on a daily basis.

* Before getting sick, regular exercise, stress management, and simple handwashing at this time of year were beneficial. – Additional report by Weekend Argus Reporter