Recent research by the Kenya Medical Research (KEMRI) has revealed there is an outbreak of influenza virus in the country.
KEMRI has confirmed that 4 people have tested positive for influenza A virus.
The 4 cases are from 36 samples collected in Kisumu central, Muhoroni, Ahero and Siaya county.
According to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention ,the Influenza A virus causes flu seasons and spreads faster.
The influenza or flu is an infectious respiratory disease caused by viruses that affect the nose,throat and sometimes lungs.
Research shows cold weather worsens upper respiratory track infections and the cases start to increase leading to the “flu season”
The Influenza A virus has over 130 subtype combinations mostly identified from wild birds.
The current subtype circulating is the A(H1N1) which is related to one that broke out in 2009 causing a flu pandemic.
The virus spreads just like COVID 19,when on inhales droplets from an infected person who has coughed, touching of objects and surfaces.
The infected person shows symptoms after one to five days.
The common sign are;
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Aching muscles
- Shortness of breath
- Runny and stuffy nose
- shortness of breath
- Sore Throat
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Feeling tired and weak
Once you experience symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pains, dizziness, serve weakness and muscle pains as an adults you will need to see a doctor.
In kids it includes blue lips and dehydration.
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for those above 6 months to reduce the severity of the flu.