Doctors |
Medical doctors yesterday warned that a flu bug, which may cause complications if not treated early, has hit the country.
They said the bug
has malaria-like symptoms and severely weakens its victims. A doctor,
who runs a surgery in Bulawayo and cannot be named for professional
reasons, said the flu can be deadly if left untreated.
He added that
buying medication over the counter was not the right approach as such
tablets and syrups treated the results of a disease not the cause. He
said he had attended to more cases of severe flu this cold season
compared to previous years.
"This kind of flu
is dangerous and may lead to pneumonia and death if people delay seeking
proper medical attention. "We are likely to have more cases as we
transition into the hot season. We have had cases of people who
developed pneumonia due to that and it's a normal pattern, considering
that this winter was very cold," he said.
"Flu is caused by a
virus, so when one has flu they experience an irritation on the throat
going downwards which is called the oropharyngeal area." He said doctors
have to manage the viral stage of the bug before administering
antibiotics.
"You start giving
patients antibiotics when they produce creamish or yellowish, greenish
mucus which means there is transformation from viral to bacterial phase.
Patients at this phase may be given antibiotics immediately when their
immune system is weak and they are prone to pneumonia," he said.
"If you address the
cause you apply the use of antibiotics and it's up to the doctor to see
an improvement and do further tests. They can do a chest X-ray to check
for bronchopneumonia.
"They shouldn't rely on cough mixtures especially now as this strain of flu can cause pneumonia and if they delay they may die."
Ministry of Health
and Child Care Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Dr Portia
Manangazira said she was yet to meet other officials over the outbreak.
"We have a meeting
to discuss this issue tomorrow, so let me get back to you," said Dr
Manangazira responding to questions sent to her.
Residents complained that the flu experienced this winter was more severe as most had to take stronger versions of cough syrups.
Ms Rudo Kuboni said her son was vomiting blood after being feverish.
"He complained that
he had flu and we got him the normal over-the-counter medication. The
situation changed and at one point he vomited blood saying his chest was
sore," said Ms Kuboni.
An official from one of the biggest public hospitals in Harare said the flu virus can mutate with each year and become stronger.
"So we have members
of the public who are vulnerable, the young, aged and they need to seek
healthcare if they have any respiratory compromises. Flu is basically a
disease of the nose and the throat so when you see that you are
coughing badly you need get tested at the hospital," he said.
A doctor at a
public hospital in Bulawayo advised people to keep warm and seek medical
attention. the moment they suspect they might be catching flu.
"It's a passing bug
but while it lasts, we have to take precautions. This year, flu is
presenting with severe symptoms that can cause complications if the
patient has other respiratory ailments or medical conditions like
diabetes," said the doctor.
The doctors however
said a message circulating on social media suggesting there could be an
outbreak of the deadly human version of H5N8 bird flu was false.
"If that was the
case, there would be a nationwide alert. That strain of bird flu is
dangerous and would not be ignored," said a doctor.
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