Healthcare practitioners are raising alarms about the possibility of COVID-19 still circulating or making a comeback, as many Kenyans visiting healthcare facilities are presenting with flu-like illnesses and respiratory tract infections.
“We know it’s a cold season, but as much as it’s a cold season, it’s not the kind that brings in the flu,” a healthcare worker noted. “Normally, any flu or cold is associated with a virus and has no specific treatment.”
This warning comes despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision last year to downgrade COVID-19 from an international health emergency to an ongoing health problem. This move led many to relax the stringent measures that had been in place to curb the virus’s spread.
However, healthcare workers are now urging the public to remain vigilant. “COVID-19 is still there, but most clients are in denial. They say it’s not COVID-19, it’s just the flu,” one practitioner explained. This denial poses a significant challenge, particularly for those who have not been vaccinated.
The practitioners emphasize that although it is a cold season, the current spike in respiratory illnesses should not be dismissed lightly. They stress the importance of taking preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene.
The healthcare community’s plea is especially directed at those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine. Unvaccinated individuals remain at a higher risk of severe illness should they contract the virus.
In light of these concerns, healthcare facilities are ramping up efforts to educate the public about the continuing risks of COVID-19. They are also encouraging those with flu-like symptoms to get tested to rule out COVID-19 and to ensure that they receive appropriate care.
