Severe bout of flu hits Durban – it can persist for up to 5 weeks

A VICIOUS flu has struck Durban, causing people to be ill for up to five weeks, according to doctors and pharmacists.

“It’s definitely far worse this year. Healthy people are getting sick. Previously it was more the immuno-compromised – the very old and very young,” said uMhlanga doctor Mary MacKenzie.

“People are often getting sick for at least five weeks.”

Central Durban pharmacist Dinesh Parekh said flu had arrived earlier than usual this winter.

“A lot of patients are coming for the second or third time with prescriptions. Their flu is getting worse.”

He also said many were becoming resistant to antibiotics.

“Some (patients) have even told me of friends and relatives who have passed away after two and three days with flu, which is very unusual. “Maybe it’s a new strain.” Pinetown general practitioner Mickey Nadesan said swine flu was also around.

Corrine Prior, who works in a Kloof pharmacy, said there were “definitely double the number of cases compared to last year”.

“It’s very hectic. It’s mostly bronchial – bronchitis and sore throats.”

“There are a lot of upper respiratory problems,” said pharmacist Blessing Ngcobo from another Kloof outlet.

However, authorities, both at municipal and national government level, have not seen anything out of the ordinary in the flu season of 2017.

“Our surveillance suggests that this season is not more severe than previous years,” said Sibongile Walaza, spokesperson for the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. The KwaZulu-Natal health department had referred The Independent on Saturday to the institute when asked for comment.

“As with other years, the different influenza strains do co-circulate. Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, previously known as swine flu, was a seasonal strain circulating in South Africa and other countries for a number of years,” said Walaza.

eThekwini Municipality said it had “no evidence to pass judgment on the severity of flu incidents this season as compared to previous years”.

“Individuals infected by flu are advised to seek medical attention immediately and remain at home if possible until certified fit as this will reduce spreading the virus to other community members,” said spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa.