Health MEC moves to allay swine flu fears

SWINE flu is not a new virus – it can be treated and most of the population has developed immunity against it.

That’s the message from KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, pictured, who has tried to allay public fears following reports of a swine flu (H1N1) “outbreak”.

The MEC said people with a strong immune system need not worry about getting infected, but urged those with compromised immune systems to get vaccinated.

“About two months ago, we made a call as the Department of Health for people to undergo flu vaccination,” he said in Durban.

“The vaccine on offer in South Africa for this flu season includes cover for the H1N1 strain. H1N1 is not a new disease any more. It has been around for a number of years. Most of the population has now developed immunity against it.”

Pupils from two schools – Clifton College in Morningside and Ashton College in Ballito – as well as a Chatsworth man were reported to have been infected with H1N1.

It was reported that Ashton College had three pupils who had swine flu and were treated before returning to school.

When POST contacted the school on Monday, the receptionist said they would not make further comments to the media regarding the issue.

Clifton College’s Jess Basson confirmed that three pupils had been infected but that no further incidents were reported.

Dhlomo urged people with HIV, or who were pregnant, as well as children and the elderly, to get vaccinated. He also urged people to practise good hygiene by washing their hands regularly and cough etiquette to prevent the flu from spreading, and to exercise to build immunity.

“Like any other strain that comes and goes, if you get a 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 just subside,” said Dhlomo.

The KZN Department of Education said they were not aware of the incidents at the two schools.