Those suffering from flu-like symptoms are likely infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is circulating at high levels, or it could be Covid-19 or the H1N1 virus, which the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said is spreading at low levels.
With winter edging closer, high levels of RSV were spreading as this was typical during the peak in April before the start of the influenza season, said Prof Cheryl Cohen of the NICD’s centre for respiratory diseases and meningitis. She said the virus contributes to cases, specially in children.
RSV is the common cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in young children and is highly contagious as it is transmitted through droplets.
The NICD warned clinicians and paediatric hospitals to anticipate an increase in child admission during RSV season.
Covid-19 was circulating at low levels and also contributing to flu-like symptoms, Cohen said.
“Covid-19 continues to circulate in SA at low levels. There is no suggestion of a new strain or one which is more severe. However, some cases of respiratory illness could be caused by Covid-19,” she said.
Cohen said while cases of influenza are circulating at relatively low levels, they are expected to spike in the coming weeks as the country moves into the flu season.
“To date, most influenza viruses detected have been influenza B, but we have seen some infections of influenza A (H1N1). Influenza A is sometimes referred to as swine flu but this term shouldn’t be used as it is a disease of humans,” she said.
Influenza B primarily infects humans and causes seasonal outbreaks with less severe symptoms than influenza A.
Influenza is categorised into influenza A, B and C and all show the same symptoms which vary in severity
— The South African Medical Association’s Dr Angelique Coetzee
The South African Medical Association’s (Sama) Dr Angelique Coetzee said influenza is categorised into influenza A, B and C and all show the same symptoms which vary in severity.
“Patients may complain of fever, which is the hallmark symptom of influenza. It is normally sudden and on the onset might be high. Another is a cough, which can be dry or productive and is common with influenza. It may be persistent and there could be chest discomfort. Patients often say their chest is painful and often wrongly attribute it to the lung. There are also aches and body pains which can be severe. A sore throat is what many people will experience and can worsen when one starts to cough,” she said.
Other symptoms include fatigue and tiredness, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Cohen said there was no indication the flu could be more severe this year than the previous year but encouraged people to get vaccinated to protect themselves.
“This is specially important for people aged above 65 and people with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV or TB and pregnant women. For these groups, the department provides vaccines free of charge. The vaccine is available in most clinics and pharmacies and now is the time to get vaccinated before the flu season increases,” she said.
Patients should seek medical care if they feel shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are not improving. Those with underlying illnesses, children and the elderly should seek medical attention as early as possible to reduce the risk of more severe illness, said Cohen.
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