As winter tightens its grip, health experts are urging South Africans to exercise greater caution amid rising flu infections and the emergence of a new Covid-19 Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, which is circulating in several countries.
Dr Vusumuzi Mzukwa, chairperson of the South African Medical Association SAMA, spoke to about the association's stance, saying, We have not yet made a call for wearing of masks but what we are doing is that we are cautioning South Africans that theres a new variant.
He emphasised that the NB.1.8.1 subvariant has not been associated with severe illness, adding, It has not caused severe infections The problem is not with the transmission only-its about those with underlying medical conditions.
As such, Mzukwa encouraged South Africans to consider precautionary measures during flu season, particularly if experiencing symptoms. If you have symptoms its always good to protect those that are around you-putting on a mask, making sure that you dont attend large gatherings, he said.
Covid-19, though no longer dominant, remains present in its endemic form. It is in existence but in very low numbers, Mzukwa noted. However, variants continue to evolve, prompting international monitoring. The World Health Organization have declared it a variant under monitoring, he explained, referring to NB.1.8.1.