04 May 2022

Most of the people currently presenting with flu-like symptoms do not have COVID-19, says Ministry of Health and Wellness chief public relations officer Dr Christopher Nyanga.

 He said the increased number of influenza-like illnesses recorded in most parts of the country in recent days could not be classified as a pandemic or an outbreak because it was generally common for such cases to increase during winter seasons.

“Viruses that cause these influenza-like illnesses generally thrive in dry and cold conditions. It is therefore, advisable that people keep warm all the time and seek medical attention every time they experience any flu-like symptoms,” he said.

As an additional precautionary measure, Dr Nyanga advised the public to get the flu shot as it could tremendously reduce the severity of flu and the common cold.

He specifically encouraged vulnerable age groups such as the elderly, people with underlying conditions and children under the age of five to take the flu shot.

Meanwhile the Department of Department of Meteorological Services has also advised the public to take precautions May-July as largely normal with a tendency to below-normal temperatures were likely to occur over the extreme north of the country.

During the same period, normal to above normal temperatures were expected over the rest of Botswana.

In a recent statement, the  department advised that cold spells would be experienced during the period.

In a separate interview, Dr Polly Pandor of Health Haven Medical Centre said vaccination was the best way to protect against cold flu and its potentially serious complications.

She explained that the immune system became weak in winter therefore vaccines helped fight against easily-spreadable illnesses.

Dr Pandor said it was not surprising that people got sick in winter as ‘it is common to exercise less, eat more unhealthy foods and our sleep schedule changes’.

Dr Pandor further insisted on frequent washing of hands and avoiding touching the face  which  decreased chances of getting sick.

“It’s best to clean hands with soap and water, especially if your hands are visibly dirty but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer would also help reduce the number of germs,” she said. Ends