Navigating February's Flu

Nairobi, 

Sunday, 9 February, 2025 

McCreadie Andias 

The current national flu data shows an influenza resurgence that affects medical care centers worldwide.

The new flu cases have emerged among patients who previously suffered from flu infection weeks ago and now present with typical complications. 

Bacterial pneumonia affects between thirty percent and thirty-five percent of patients who receive hospital treatment for influenza during their severe phase of the illness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) conducts recent influenza activity assessments and shows increased flu activity across European and numerous North American, Central American, Caribbean and African and Asian territories. 

The Northern Hemisphere countries particularly the United States currently face remarkable flu outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted the influenza rate maintains its position as the highest in the last 15 years since the beginning of this flu season resulting in 24 million illnesses and 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.

In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has been vigilant in monitoring respiratory illnesses. As of January 2025, concerns arose regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a flu-like illness reported in China. 

However, the Ministry clarified that HMPV is not new to Kenya and has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in the country. Currently, there is no reported increase in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in Kenyan health facilities. 

Historically, Kenya experiences influenza cases throughout the year, with notable peaks from February to March and July to November. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor these trends and advises the public to remain vigilant. 

Medical professionals emphasize the importance of understanding influenza's transmission and prevention. 

Dr. John Wachira, a consultant pediatrician, notes that while flu is a resident disease undergoing seasonal variations, it should not cause panic. He advises the public to adhere to preventive measures and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. 

Preventive Measures

Health authorities advise several preventive measures to fight against the spread of influenza.

According to the WHO influenza vaccination stands as the most effective technique to stop disease development. The WHO motivates countries to install new influenza vaccination programs or to enhance existing national programs. 

The practice of hygiene includes washing with soap and water together with the use of hand sanitizers to prevent spread when people refrain from touching their faces.

When coughing or sneezing people should protect others by covering their nose and mouth with tissues or elbow skin to stop droplet spread.

Social isolation methods that separate people with flu symptoms combined with reduced attendance during virus peaks work as a preventive measure for infection spread.

The ongoing flu season requires individuals to stay dependent on trusted information sources while following official health guidelines. 

The Ministry of Health maintains active monitoring of the situation by delivering necessary updates to the public. The adoption of preventive actions paired with alertness permits everyone to minimize the effects of influenza throughout February.