New Virus or Covid-19 Variant? : Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry Clarifies Cause of Current Flu-like Illnesses

Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry Clarifies Cause of Current Flu-like Illnesses

In a welcome development, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care has broken its silence on the flu-like illnesses currently widespread in the country.

The statement comes as speculation is rife that the flu is either a new variant of the COVID-19 virus.

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What’s Causing Current Flu-like Illnesses

In a statement released on Sunday, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care set the record straight that the flu outbreak is not a new variant of the COVID-19 virus or a new virus. The ministry said that the flu-like illnesses that Zimbabweans are experiencing are a result of the common cold.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care further explained that there is a high prevalence of such cases because of the winter season.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care would want to reassure the public that the flu-like illnesses seen in the country are due to the common cold. The winter season is associated with increased incidence of common colds and that is what has been seen so far. The cases are neither due to Covid-19 or other new viruses. There is no viral pandemic in Zimbabwe,” part of the statement reads.

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Zimbabwe’s Advises How to Prevent Current Flu-like Illnesses

To help Zimbabweans manage and avoid flu-like illnesses, the Ministry recommends that the public lead healthy lifestyles, increase fluid intake, keep warm, and, if necessary, use over-the-counter common cold remedies.

“The public is advised to lead healthy lifestyles, take lots of fluids, keep warm and where necessary take over-the-counter common cold remedies,” the ministry urged Zimbabweans.

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Public Reactions on Social Media

After the statement was shared by the Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, on his verified X account, Zimbabweans responded with a mix of reactions. Here are some of them:

@tinanyams:

Lemon ginger and honey does good. Even if it’s Covid why would we be scared of the scandemic?

@mazithread:

Usually when you guys deny stuff the exact opposite is true. Why would one release a statement becuase of the common cold. Who doesn’t know that in winter 🥶 the flu 🤧 reigns ?

@tichazie:

“The cases are neither due to covid-19 or other new viruses”

Chirungu chacho chine hudofo mukati

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The post New Virus or Covid-19 Variant? : Zimbabwe’s Health Ministry Clarifies Cause of Current Flu-like Illnesses appeared first on iHarare News.