Medical experts urge all those that have cough, fever, headache to seek treatment

While respiratory illnesses such as flu and cough affect Ugandans year-round, researchers have identified specific months when cases tend to spike, often disrupting work and general well-being.

A review of influenza data by Prof Fred Wabwire-Mangen of Makerere University School of Public Health and colleagues, covering the years 2008 to 2014, revealed two annual peaks of respiratory infections in Uganda.

“Several trends were observed: influenza circulates throughout the year with two peaks—the major one from September to November and a minor one from March to June,” their findings, published in the Public Library of Science, indicate.

Findings

From 6,628 patient samples tested during that period, the influenza virus was detected in 10.4 percent (687 cases).

The report also noted that the dominant flu strains varied by year: Seasonal Influenza A(H3) was common in 2008–2009 and again in 2012–2014, A(H1N1)pdm09 dominated in 2010, and Influenza B in 2011.

“The peaks generally coincided with times of higher humidity, lower temperatures, and increased rainfall,” the researchers noted.

Over recent weeks, Ugandans have expressed concern about a noticeable rise in cases of flu and cough. Many liken the symptoms to those of Covid-19, especially given the number of individuals calling in sick or missing work.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe cases may require hospitalisation.

Dr Henry Kyobe, the National Incident Commander for Covid-19 at the Ministry of Health, said this month typically aligns with one of the seasonal peaks for respiratory illnesses.

“The distribution of seasonal respiratory viruses aligns within this month, and it also closely corresponds with mild surges of Covid-19,” Dr Kyobe said.

“The good news is that most of the cases are mild and do not result in critical care, oxygen support, or deaths. So there is no cause for alarm,” he added.

Dr Kyobe also emphasised that the elderly remain particularly vulnerable during these seasonal surges.

“These viruses often hit seniors hardest, leading to severe illness or death. So we monitor these trends closely,” he said.

Covid-19 still lingers

Dr Bruce Kirenga, the director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, said recent research shows that Covid-19 remains one of the causes of respiratory illness in the country.

“In our recent assessment of patients in Kampala with respiratory symptoms, Covid-19 was detected in 7.8 percent of cases. This wasn’t a population-based study, but among those who sought care,” he said.

In another study involving 10 hospitals across Uganda, researchers found a Covid-19 prevalence of 3.8 percent among patients with flu and cough symptoms.

Dr Kirenga stressed the need for continued precautions, particularly for older people.

“They should wear face masks, get vaccinated, eat well, and seek medical attention early. Most importantly, they need social support—many elderly people in Africa are neglected,” he noted.

The CDC advises that individuals with flu symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care.

Expert advice

Dr Daniel Tumwine, the team leader at the Children’s Clinic in Naalya, advised patients to increase their fluid intake and rest but cautioned against self-medicating with antibiotics.

“Most of these infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t help,” he explained.

However, he warned that in rare instances, flu and cough can develop into pneumonia, a condition where the lungs become inflamed and breathing becomes difficult.

“If your child has a persistent cough, don’t just go to a drug shop. Get a proper examination to rule out pneumonia. That’s what we fear the most,” Dr Tumwine advised.