South Africans are being urged not to ignore flu symptoms this winter as health experts confirm that multiple influenza strains, including the virus once known as swine flu, are already spreading across the country, Cape town Etc reports.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases NICD says this year's flu season started earlier than usual , raising concerns about increased pressure on clinics, pharmacies and hospitals as colder weather settles in.
According to the NICD, among the circulating strains is influenza AH1N1pdm09, better known to many people as swine flu. While the name may still trigger memories of the global outbreak that made headlines years ago, health officials say the strain is now considered part of the normal seasonal flu viruses seen worldwide every year.
