Durban - There was no outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus in KwaZulu-Natal, Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said on Thursday after it had been reported that several pupils had tested positive for the virus at two Durban schools.
The H1N1 virus (swine flu) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by the H1N1 flu virus.
Jessica Basson, the public relations officer of Clifton School in Morningside, Durban, confirmed on Thursday that three Grade 3 pupils had caught the virus. They were at home, under treatment.
She said this had not disrupted schooling. Pupils were not being sent home early and school was continuing.
No new cases had been reported, Basson said.
The Ashton International College in Ballito reported three cases a few months ago.
A teacher at the college said the children had tested positive about two to three months ago. No pupil had the virus at the moment. She transferred the call to another teacher who refused to comment, saying no one at the school was allowed to comment on the matter.
Dhlomo urged anyone with a compromised immune system, who had not yet received a flu vaccine, to ensure they were vaccinated against flu. This would cover the H1N1 flu strain.
“About two months ago, we made a call for people to have a flu vaccine. The vaccine on offer in South Africa for this flu season includes cover for the H1N1 strain.
“H1N1 is not a new disease. It’s been around for a number of years. Most of the population has now developed immunity against it,” he said.
The vaccine was recommended for people in the “high risk” group such as:
* All pregnant women.
* People with lung conditions, such as asthma.
* People with haematological and metabolic disorders, eg diabetes.
* HIV-infected persons.
* People older than 65.
* Children younger than 4.
* Institutionalised people.
“People who fall under this group should and must go for a flu vaccine,” Dhlomo said.
He urged people to follow basic infection prevention practices to protect themselves against flu, such as washing their hands, practising cough etiquette and keeping away from crowds if symptoms of flu had developed. People should also exercise regularly.
“Like any other strain that comes and goes, if you get flu, just get painkillers, drink water, rest and you’ll be okay. Even if those with a normal immune system were to contract H1N1, it will subside. Regular physical exercise means that you won’t be susceptible to disease, as your body will have built up enough resistance.”
Swine flu symptoms
* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Body aches
* Headache
* Chills
* Fatigue
* Diarrhoea
* Vomiting
Symptoms develop about one to three days after you have been exposed to the virus and continue for about seven days. (Source: www.mayoclinic.org)
Causes of H1N1 virus
It spreads in the same way as seasonal flu. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come into contact with these drops, or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can catch H1N1 swine flu. Despite the name, you can’t catch swine flu from eating bacon, ham or any other pork product. (Source: www.webmd.com)
The Mercury