Over the last few weeks, Kenya has experienced a spike in cases of flu and the common cold, causing fear and unprecedented challenges that come with its uptick.
Medical experts stated that for the last two years, the country has not experienced a typical flu season owing to the containment measures that were imposed by the government during the pandemic.
Statistics point to a surge in cases of flu which are clocking at almost 10,000 across the country forcing some people to restart wearing masks in public areas.One of the biggest concerns is the potential for patients to contact both Covid-19 and flu at the same time, an unlucky combination known as flurona.
Nonetheless, medical experts ruled out the possibility of another pandemic outbreak in the country.
“We haven’t experienced a typical flu season for the past two years as the country was under lockdown thus the minimal spread of viruses in the community.
“The number of patients with flu-like symptoms being admitted to hospital has increased,” a report on the flu outbreak explained.
Doctor Ahmed Yakub Kalebi while speaking on Monday, May 23, noted that the flu might be caused by other viruses including Influenza.
Kalebi is a specialist in General Anatomical Pathology and Lab Medicine.
“There are hundreds of viruses that can potentially cause flu. Interestingly in many countries and certainly here in Kenya, the respiratory infection we are seeking is linked to Influenza A,” Kalebi explained.
