By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
HEALTH
The ministry of health has today come out to inform the public about the wave of viral influenza (flu) illness circulating with in the population. This illness is characterized by; a runny nose (usually clear mucus) frontal headache, intermittent fevers, dry cough and general body weakness that may persist for a couple of days before complete reduction.
In a press release by Dr. Henry G Mwebesa, the director general health services in the ministry of health, He revealed that the commonly affected age groups include; children below 5 years, school going children and the elderly of 60 years and above. He noted that about 2% of individuals who get viral influenza may get severe respiratory disease, However, there is no record of consistent increase of hospitalizations due to influenza.
Dr. Henery Mwebesa said the trend is consistent with the seasonal influenza pattern that has two annual peaks that coincide with the rainy seasons which happen in two seasons with two peaks. The first season being from February to June, peaking in march while the second season is August to November with its peak being in September. These peaks are attributed to the virus surviving because of humidity, rains and high populations interactions in urban areas.
On behalf of Ministry of health, Dr. Henry G Mwebesa has appealed to all symptomatic individuals to seek clinical care from the nearest health facilities including testing for COVID-19 and malaria. Dr. Mwebesa called upon those affected to adhere to treatments prescribed by qualified health workers and encouraged the public to avoid self- medications.
The public is encouraged to practice hand hygiene and avoid public gatherings if anyone has the above mentioned symptoms and to make use of face masks if such gatherings cannot be avoided not forgetting avoiding hugging and handshakes.
The ministry of health Uganda reiterates that there is no evidence of any COVID-19 resurgence in the country. However, they call upon all individuals who are due for their COVID-19 to go to the vaccination centers and get vaccinated.
