Kenyans residing in the city have come out to complain of flu-like symptoms, including running nose, fever, sneezing, and headaches for the last few weeks.
However, according to many medical professionals, the increased flu cases in the country are caused by human influenza type A virus – a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system.
Research shows that cold weather worsens upper respiratory tract infections in humans; therefore, Kenyans should brace themselves for high flu cases during this cold season.
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold; flu usually attacks suddenly.
Influenza viruses remain a global threat with the potential to trigger outbreaks and pandemics.
Globally, seasonal influenza viruses’ mortality ranges from 291 243 – to 645 832 annually, of which 17 percent occur in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Kenya, influenza viruses circulate all year so there is a possibility of a certain number of people having the flu at any given time which is not considered an outbreak.
Moreover, previous studies have shown that Kenya records two peaks following rainy seasons.
Therefore, they said the available evidence is not sufficient to declare this as an outbreak.
All said and done Kenyans should not panic about the reported ‘outbreak’ of influenza but instead exercise higher standards of personal hygiene including hand washing, not crowding, eating healthy and visiting your local health provider as preventive measures.
