Face masks are back!

As influenza cases surge across Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe, the public is adopting face masks to protect against the virus. Some organizations have mandated mask-wearing, while many individuals are choosing to do so voluntarily. This response echoes practices from the Covid-19 pandemic, during which masks were mandatory to curb the spread of the virus.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, reassured the public that the flu is not signaling a resurgence of Covid-19 and is responding well to antibiotics. He recommended that individuals with flu-like symptoms wear masks and seek early medical help. Key safety tips include avoiding crowded spaces, frequent hand washing, staying warm, and staying hydrated.

Since January, over 87,000 influenza cases have been reported, with common symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. Professor Solwayo Ngwenya of Mpilo Central Hospital warned that flu symptoms might intensify as winter progresses but praised the public for adopting Covid-19 prevention measures to tackle the flu.

Residents shared their proactive measures, such as wearing masks and taking flu medications. The Meteorological Service Department advised the public to dress warmly to prevent respiratory illnesses amid the cold conditions.