Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care is launching an awareness campaign to educate the public about a new flu virus that has been claiming lives, dispelling fears that it is a resurgence of COVID-19.
The ministry will begin conducting awareness campaigns this week to inform the public on how to protect themselves from the virus.
The campaign will focus on reminding people to take preventive measures to avoid getting infected.
Medical professionals have confirmed that the virus is a general flu virus, and not COVID-19.
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association President Johannes Marisa stated that few COVID-19 tests were being conducted due to expired kits, and the results were negative.
Marisa emphasised that the flu virus can be deadly if complications are not treated early, especially for those with underlying health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
He urged people to take note of their underlying conditions and keep them under control.
Kadoma City Council Director of Health and Environmental Services Daniel Chirundu reported a high incidence of flu cases in the city, advising people to live in well-ventilated houses and keep warm during the cold spell.
Community Working Group on Health Executive Director Itai Rusike stressed the need for improved surveillance systems to monitor seasonal flu strains and for people to be aware of mitigative measures.
Public Health adviser to the President Agnes Mahomva assured the public that the government is not vaccinating for the flu virus and urged people to seek medical attention soon if symptoms worsen.
The ministry’s awareness campaign aims to educate the public on how to prevent and manage the flu virus, which has been spreading rapidly since the onset of winter.
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