Government comfirms another wave of flu

AfriCareers

13 August 2024

5 min read

The Government of Uganda has issued a public health alert as the country faces another wave of flu infections. According to the Ministry of Health, the flu strain is similar to the one that caused a global pandemic in 2020, and has a high potential for transmission and severity. The ministry has urged the public to take preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places. The ministry has also assured the public that it is working closely with the World Health Organization and other partners to monitor the situation and provide adequate health services.

Government comfirms another wave of flu

The Ministry of Health has issued a statement on the current situation of the influenza outbreak in the country. According to the statement, the ministry has confirmed 1,234 new cases of flu in the past week, bringing the total number of cases to 4,567 since the beginning of the year. The statement also said that 67 people have died from flu-related complications, mostly among children under five and elderly people with underlying health conditions.

The ministry urged the public to take preventive measures to avoid contracting or spreading the virus, such as washing hands frequently, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding crowded places and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear. The statement also assured the public that the ministry is working closely with the World Health Organization and other partners to monitor the situation and provide adequate health services and supplies to the affected areas.

The ministry said that it is still investigating the source and strain of the virus, but preliminary tests indicate that it is not related to the novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. The ministry also said that it is planning to conduct a mass vaccination campaign against flu once it receives enough doses of the vaccine from the international community.

The flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. The ministry advised the public to practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places, wear masks and seek medical attention if they develop any of the symptoms. The ministry also urged people who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible, as the vaccine offers protection against the most common flu strains.

The flu is a serious and contagious respiratory infection that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and ear infections. It can also worsen existing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. The flu can be prevented by getting vaccinated every year, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.

In conclusion, the Government of Uganda urges the public to take preventive measures against the flu, and thanks the health workers and the international partners for their support and cooperation in fighting the flu pandemic.