Zimbabwe Health Ministry calms flu fears

Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care has moved to reassure the public following an increase in influenza cases across the country, saying the rise is consistent with the normal seasonal pattern experienced during the winter months.

The ministry said influenza cases typically increase during June and July and that authorities were closely monitoring the situation through the national disease surveillance system and health facilities.

"The Ministry of Health and Child Care is closely monitoring the situation through the national disease surveillance system and health facilities. There is currently no cause for alarm, as the increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns," the ministry said in a statement.

Health facilities across the country have reported an increase in flu cases in recent months, with some deaths also recorded.

However, the ministry urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms become severe, particularly among people considered vulnerable to complications from influenza.

"People at higher risk of severe influenza include young children and older persons, pregnant women and people living with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV, as well as those with weakened immunity," the ministry said.

"These groups should seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms."

The ministry said most people infected with influenza recover within a few days and advised those with mild symptoms to rest, drink plenty of fluids and maintain good nutrition.

It also cautioned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, stressing that influenza is caused by a virus.

"Antibiotics do not treat influenza, as a virus causes it. They should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional," the ministry said.

The ministry urged people experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical care without delay.

These include difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, convulsions and signs of dehydration.

Medical attention should also be sought if symptoms worsen after initially improving.

Parents and caregivers were advised to pay particular attention to young children, with difficulty breathing, refusal to feed or unusual drowsiness requiring prompt medical assessment.

"The ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary," the statement said.

"The public is encouraged to remain calm, take simple preventive measures, protect those at higher risk and seek timely medical care when needed."

To reduce the spread of influenza, the ministry encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene and adopt simple preventive measures.

These include regularly washing hands with soap and clean water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and ensuring homes and workplaces are well ventilated.

People were also encouraged to avoid close contact with those who are unwell and, where possible, remain at home while experiencing flu-like symptoms until they have recovered.

The ministry further strongly encouraged people to wear masks in public, particularly in crowded places and areas where there is a higher risk of exposure.

Authorities said continued disease surveillance would allow the ministry to monitor the seasonal increase and provide further guidance should the situation change.