20 swine flu cases in Cape

More than 20 people are being treated for the swine flu (H1N1) virus in George in the Southern Cape, it emerged yesterday.

A doctor and clinical manager from Walk in Doctor in George, Marcelle Herbst, said her practice treated a large number of patients this past week. “We have diagnosed many patients with the H1N1 virus and most of the local pharmacies have since run out of the antiviral medication, Tamiflu. At this stage I know of one pharmacy that still has stock,” Herbst said.

She told African News Agency there was, however, no reason to panic. “Unlike the first outbreak of H1N1 in South Africa years ago, doctors now know the airborne virus. We know what it is and we know how to treat it,” she said.

She said her practice treated mostly children under the age of two and people with weakened immune systems.

“The cruel thing about the H1N1 virus is that a person only starts to show symptoms of the virus a day or more after they already contracted it. They don’t know they are sick and get into contact with other people without knowing that they are spreading the virus.”

Dr Herbst recommended patients see a doctor as soon as they start to experience symptoms like high fever, an aching body and red eyes.

Deputy director of communications in the Western Cape Health Department Mark van der Heever said influenza H1N1 had been part of the seasonal flu strain since 2012 and that there would most probably have been confirmed cases in the country.

About 10 000 people die on average of seasonal flu-related illness every winter in SA. – ANA

We have diagnosed many patients with the H1N1 virus and most of the local pharmacies have since run out of the antiviral medication, Tamiflu. At this stage I know of one pharmacy that still has stock. Marcelle Herbst Doctor and clinical manager