Flu crisis intensifies with spike of influenza A cases

Flu crisis intensifies with spike of influenza A cases (Photo: iStock) Over the past few weeks, Kenyans have taken to social media and casual conversations to complain about a mysterious and persistent flu that doesn't seem to go away. The symptoms are striking - intense headaches, aching joints, fevers, sore throats, sneezing, coughs, and fatigue that sometimes linger for more than a week. For many, the illness has been so severe that it has raised fears of a resurgence of COVID-19. But experts now confirm that the culprit behind most of these symptoms is influenza A - and it's spreading fast. On X (formerly Twitter), users are sharing their personal experiences with a strain that seems harsher than usual. "It starts with a runny nose, but then I am too weak to even leave the house," says Grace Njeri, a Nairobi resident who missed a week of work due to the illness. "It is not just a simple flu. I thought I had COVID again. My entire mouth was covered in sores and my taste buds were in the pits," one user posted. "Grateful for face masks. If you can, just have one on, especially when outdoors." Another, Ms Odera, wrote, "The flu has attacked me, a full 360... can't even move around." Some, like Ms Nakaayi, are questioning whether this is a passing illness or a broader outbreak: "Is this flu and cough a wave?" Others shared the frustrating symptoms they're enduring. "Waking up to blocked ears, blocked nose-flu is the worst," wrote Emmilie, while Yukaa posted, "I'm at work with some kind of flu thing and I feel like I'm going to die." According to Jeremy Gitau, an infectious disease expert, the spike in flu cases is real - and it's worrying. "Since late February and throughout March, we have been seeing more patients exhibiting classic flu symptoms - cough, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and even chest pain," Dr Gitau explains. "Some progress to full-blown pneumonia." The Ministry of Health has since confirmed cases of Influenza A, circulating in Kenya, prompting healthcare workers to advise the public to take precautions similar to those practiced during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the symptoms of Influenza A and Covid-19 often overlap, including fever, fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses. Still, healthcare providers say there is a growing concern that some cases might also be unreported Covid-19 infections. Despite reports of respiratory infections, there hasn't been a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases. Director General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, emphasises the importance of precautionary measures, including avoiding close contact with sick individuals, practicing respiratory and hand hygiene, wearing face masks in public spaces, and considering influenza vaccination. "It's important to remember how we handled Covid," Dr Gitau says. "Simple precautions like masking, handwashing, and early treatment are crucial again." The World Health Organisation classifies influenza as a seasonal epidemic that occurs mainly during the cold months in temperate regions, but it can persist all year in tropical climates like Kenya's. Globally, influenza infects between one billion people every year, with three to five million cases classified as severe, and it leads to between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. In its latest reports, WHO warns that new influenza strains - particularly Influenza A subtypes like H1N1 and H3N2 - have the potential to trigger global pandemics if not well-managed. The organisation continues to encourage vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, and robust surveillance. Kenya's weather over the past few months - cool, wet, and unstable - has provided the perfect breeding ground for respiratory viruses. "This kind of virus thrives in cold, wet conditions. Nairobi and highland counties like Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kericho are especially vulnerable," says Dr Gitau. In 2019, MoH, in collaboration with CDC Kenya and WHO, established a sentinel surveillance system. The findings showed that influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) caused a significant disease burden in both children and the elderly. Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Uasin Gishu often recorded the highest cases. Influenza A is one of the most virulent types of flu viruses. It mutates rapidly, enabling new strains to emerge and spread unpredictably. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet Global Health, influenza A can trigger cytokine storms in vulnerable patients - an overreaction of the immune system that can lead to severe lung damage and death. Another 2018 study by the US CDC found that adults hospitalised with flu-related pneumonia were more likely to suffer long-term complications like: Pulmonary fibrosis, sepsis, exacerbation of chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma. Increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks "Influenza is not just a common cold," Dr Gitau emphasises. "We've seen some patients develop severe pneumonia," Dr Gitau says. "Some require intravenous antibiotics and even oxygen support, whether in hospital or at home. The earlier these patients get treatment, the better their chances of avoiding complications." Dr Gitau further notes that certain populations are more vulnerable to severe outcomes, including the elderly (above 65 years), people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. Individuals with compromised immunity, such as HIV-positive patients or transplant recipients. "These groups should strongly consider getting the flu vaccine," says Dr Gitau. "It may not prevent infection entirely, but it drastically reduces the risk of hospitalisation or death." Kenya currently offers seasonal influenza vaccines at select private and public health facilities, but uptake remains low due to awareness gaps and vaccine cost. Globally, some of the worst-hit countries by seasonal influenza deaths include, India, USA. According to the CDC, between 12,000 and 52,000 people die each year from flu-related causes in the U.S., depending on the season. Brazil and South Africa, these countries report surges during winter and rainy seasons, respectively, often straining hospital capacity. Dr Gitau and the Ministry of Health offer several preventive tips "Get vaccinated, especially if you're elderly or have chronic illnesses, wear a mask when you have flu symptoms or are in crowded places, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, stay home if unwell, to avoid spreading the virus to others," he says. "Seek early medical attention if you experience high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain." He also urges the public to avoid misusing antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections and can lead to dangerous resistance. "There's no magic pill for a viral infection like Influenza A," Dr Gitau explains. "Management is largely symptomatic. We usually recommend antihistamines for runny noses, paracetamol for fevers, and cough syrup. Only if there's a suspected secondary bacterial infection do we prescribe antibiotics - and that's after a proper evaluation." Dr Amoth reiterates the Ministry's commitment to addressing the current surge in respiratory illnesses and ensuring the health and safety of all Kenyans.

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