High numbers of cases of influenza A strains H3N2 and H1N1 have been confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Greater Accra, Central, Bono, and Eastern regions.
The strains found are a component of Ghana’s seasonal flu viruses, the Service said in a statement that was copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday.
The country’s yearly flu season, which peaks in the cooler months, corresponds with the increase in infections.
It stated that abrupt fever start, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and exhaustion are all signs of the seasonal flu.
The primary ways that the virus is transmitted are by respiratory droplets from talking, sneezing, and coughing, as well as by touching contaminated objects.
Those at higher risk were children and adolescents, particularly those enrolled in school, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with long-term illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, according to the statement, which was signed by Dr. Samuel Akoriyea Kaba, Director General, GHS.
The public was reassured that every effort was being made to contain the outbreak; yet, in order to safeguard people, families, and communities throughout this time, collaboration from all parties involved was crucial.
Since schools were thought to be high-risk locations for the spread of the flu, the GHS urged parents, students, and school administrators to follow preventive measures.
It advised people to stay at home when sick to stop the spread of the illness and to get medical help as soon as they feel flu-like symptoms.
Frequent hand washing with soap under running water, avoiding crowded areas, covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, and using face masks in crowded situations were all recommended in the statement.
The GHS coordinated with regional health directorates to ensure prompt response, revised clinical care procedures, increased public education campaigns, and improved surveillance and rapid diagnostic testing at health institutions in order to curb the spread of the flu.
Source: newsthemegh.com