POLOKWANE – Last week, Review reported on an outbreak of swine flu in the city following recent reports of patients that tested positive for the flu in Tzaneen.

Several doctors Review spoke to confirmed that several patients tested positive with influenza A, which is the class under which flu and swine flu are categorised.

At the time, private doctors confirmed several cases, but the department of health denied that there was an outbreak of swine flu in the city.

To find out if any new cases of swine flu were reported, Review spoke to several doctors yesterday, who said no new cases of swine flu were reported and that medication was available, which was effective.

“The problem we now have is that everyone who has a cough or a sore throat thinks they have swine flu. This is not the case. The first important indicator of swine flu is a very high fever,” said one of the doctors.

Swine flu can be diagnosed through nose and throat swabs or blood tests. These tests are only recommended when a patient has sudden symptoms, within a day.

The symptoms are a sore throat, painful body, coughing and a fever higher than 38 deg C.

Doctors urge residents to get vaccinated against flu to prevent infections. Just like flu, swine flu is spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing and by contact with an infected person.

“It takes two weeks for the vaccination to work. Other prevention methods are to wash your hands, drink enough water, eat healthy food to keep the immune system strong and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing,” another doctor said. Asked which age categories were at risk of health complications and hospitalisation if not treated, doctors confirmed children younger than two, adults older than 65, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women.

Istha McMillan, patient experience manager from Mediclinic Limpopo confirmed that no new cases were reported to the hospital.

Swine flu in city: Doctors confirm several patients test positive

Swine flu confirmed in Limpopo