Viruses are in the air with flu and RSV on the rise
Image: File
As South Africans continue to experience the winter chill, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases ( NICD is urging citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary — especially as seasonal viruses remain active across the country.
This comes as the 2025 influenza season in South Africa began four weeks earlier than in 2024, marking the earliest onset since 2010, according to pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals. Though transmission remains relatively low, the virus continues to circulate well into the winter months.
NICD has confirmed that flu cases remain active across the country. During the week of 16–22 June, lab testing showed a positivity rate of 15.8% for influenza and 16.7% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — two of the most common respiratory viruses tracked during this time of year.
RSV, which typically peaks in autumn, has shown a later-than-usual surge in 2025, with ongoing detection reported in national respiratory surveillance. It remains a particular concern for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Other viruses like SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for Covid-19 — continue to be monitored, but are circulating at low levels. The NICD is also keeping a watchful eye on diseases like measles and rubella, though these are currently less widespread.
The NICD reminds the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and muscle aches — all common to flu and RSV. Covid-19 shares many of these symptoms but may also include the loss of smell or taste.
Flu vaccines remain the best protection, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, people living with HIV, and those with chronic heart or lung disease. Although vaccines are typically administered before the start of winter, experts said it's not too late to get vaccinated and benefit from added protection during the colder months.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
The NICD also encourages simple but effective preventive habits: staying home when feeling sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining good hand hygiene. These non-pharmaceutical interventions continue to play a critical role in reducing transmission, especially in vulnerable environments like schools, care homes, and hospitals.
Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of Science at Stellenbosch University and a molecular biologist specialising in human pathogens, says the typical respiratory viruses — influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 — remain the main concerns this winter. 'Typically respiratory viruses are the main cause of concern in winter since we are in close contact indoors and these viruses spread via respiratory droplets,' he explained.
He emphasised the ongoing danger posed by seasonal influenza, noting, 'Seasonal influenza has always had a high mortality rate globally, so will always remain a concern.'
Addressing the frequent emergence of new Covid-19 variants, Fielding said, 'It appears as though the public panics with the emergence and reporting of each new strain or variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we need to keep in mind that variants or strains will appear frequently; when the virus infects a person and replicates in their body, the virus mutates.'
'Based on coronavirus history, I am still of the opinion that the new strains will result in easier spread between humans, but not necessarily into a deadlier virus.'
He also warned of the risks posed by avian influenza. 'Once again this year, researchers are concerned about the possible jump of flu from birds to humans. Avian influenza H5N1 has a high mortality rate and could be a real problem if it successfully jumps to humans.'
RSV and hMPV remain ongoing concerns, particularly for children, though Fielding added, 'Fortunately these viruses are not normally highly pathogenic.'
Discussing zoonotic threats such as Mpox, he explained, 'Unfortunately with increased global travel, the continued sale of bush meat, and the expanding human population resulting in encroachment on wildlife habitats, there will always be a risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.'
Fielding also explained how the new phase of the Genomic Surveillance Project contribute towards research of viruses and the prevention.
The project, a collaboration between the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aims to upscale the monitoring and analysis of genetic information from pathogens that pose a threat to public health.
"Early identification of viruses is extremely important. It should allow us to better prepare for potential pandemics... and develop medical and pharmaceutical interventions much earlier, minimising the impact of an outbreak,' Fielding said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Health expert warns of increasing chronic illnesses among young adults
The global observance of World Chronic Disease Day on July 10th raises awareness about the impact of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions, and high cholesterol. Medical advisor Dr Lee Moses from Advisory Risk and Quality Management says for a long time, these conditions were most common among the elderly. But recently they are becoming common among younger, working-aged South Africans. 'In fact, 20% of deaths between the ages of 35 and 64 are attributed to chronic diseases, with hypertension being the most prevalent chronic health condition. 'Although preventable, these diseases are lifestyle-related and, in most cases, lifelong. However, they don't have to be debilitating. With the right lifestyle choices, many people can live long, fulfilling lives despite a diagnosis,' Moses said. The impact of chronic diseases: Living with a chronic condition includes managing symptoms daily. Moses said, 'Individuals living with hypertension (high blood pressure) must be careful to control stress and diet to avoid rising blood pressure. For those living with diabetes, this involves regularly checking blood sugar levels and monitoring their diet. Symptoms of cardiovascular or heart disease may include fatigue, shortness of breath and an increased risk of serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. 'These illnesses not only affect physical health but also how individuals perform at work, their mental state and, ultimately, .and, ultimately, their ability to engage socially. 'The strain of managing a chronic condition can impact one's emotional health as well, often leading to anxiety and depression,' he said. Lifestyle changes that can make a difference: While medication and regular health check-ups are important, lifestyle habits serve as the foundation for long-term health. Moses shared the following tips on making small changes for big results. Eat right: Avoid consuming processed foods with added sugar, salt and saturated fats, which can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Instead, consume more unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Move more: Make time for physical movement like walking, swimming or cycling for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Exercising improves your heart health, controls blood sugar, and reduces blood pressure. Exercise also increases energy levels and supports mental health. Manage stress levels: Try to minimise stress as much as possible. Regular stress leads to increased blood pressure, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating habits. Activities such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or keeping busy with hobbies are also effective ways of reducing stress. Sleep well: Prioritising rest and relaxation is as important as diet and exercise. Seven to nine hours of sleep helps to regulate the body, as well as manage hormones, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses or complicating existing conditions. Stay connected: Support from family and friends is powerful in reducing emotional burdens. Stay in touch regularly, join a support group or consult a therapist to keep your emotions regulated, decrease feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being. The power of support and prevention: According to Moses, access to comprehensive healthcare and skilled professionals makes living with a chronic condition more manageable. 'Most medical schemes offer support for lifestyle changes, including dietitian consultations, exercise programmes, mental health helplines and chronic disease management services, making it easier to stay on track,' he said. If you have not been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you can help prevent it by taking precautionary measures. This includes regular health screenings and keeping track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. 'Remember the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, rest and connection. Through such consistent changes, we can take back control and lead healthier, more empowered lives,' he concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
SA teen pregnancy crisis: 90 000 pregnancies recorded in 2024
Of 90 000 pregnancies recorded in girls aged 10 to 19, more than 2 300 were among girls aged between 10 and 14. These numbers speak not only of a health crisis, but also a grave injustice against children forced to become mothers, stakeholders said at a meeting this week. Teenage pregnancies 'robbing girls of their future' Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, warns that these numbers poses a threat to South Africans. Letsike said the scourge of teenage pregnancy is not only a health concern but a threat to the nation's social and moral fibre and future prosperity. 'Teenage pregnancy is robbing too many of our girls of their childhood and their future, and it will take all of us working together to turn the tide,' Letsike said at a stakeholder engagement in Pretoria recently aimed at addressing the persistent ongoing scourge of teenage pregnancy. Not only a statistic but also a crime He said 2 328 girls younger between 10 and 14-years-old recorded pregnancies last year. 'To call this alarming would be an understatement. These are children, some barely in their teens, some not even teenagers, now forced into motherhood,' Letsike said. Letsike said a child as young as 10 becoming pregnant was not just a statistic but evidence of a profound societal failure and a horrific crime because a girl that young cannot legally give consent. 'This crisis threatens the very foundation of our social and economic development as teenage pregnancy poses a serious threat to the health, rights, education and socio-economic well-being of girls. 'When a young girl becomes a mother, her chances of finishing school plummet, her job prospects diminish, and she often becomes trapped in a cycle of poverty. 'In other words, today's teen pregnancy is tomorrow's poverty and inequality. We must recognise this as not only a public health issue but a social justice emergency,' the deputy minister said. Letsike said the high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in the country was interlinked with other scourges of HIV and other STI infection rates, child sexual abuse, statutory rape, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), poverty, educational exclusion, substance abuse and even toxic elements of popular culture. 'To craft effective solutions, we must honestly confront how and why so many young girls are getting pregnant,' Letsike said. Urgent response needed Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said teenage pregnancy in South Africa has reached deeply concerning levels. 'These are not just numbers; they are a stark reflection of our socio-economic challenges and a call to action. Teenage pregnancy is more than a health crisis,' she said. Mhlauli said the response to teenage pregnancy must be urgent, coordinated and compassionate. 'Government cannot do this work alone. We need the support of all pillars of society, parents, faith leaders, educators, civil society, the media and the private sector,' she said. Pregnancies indicate inability to protect girls Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board Asanda Luwaca said 'young girls are our sisters, our classmates, our cousins, our peers and children'. 'It is an indictment of our inability, as a collective, to fully protect the bodies, rights and dreams of girls, especially those from poor, rural and marginalised communities, especially differently abled,' she said. Luwaca said teenage pregnancy was not just about health, but injustice. 'It is about gender inequality, poverty, exploitation, broken family systems, absent accountability and a dangerous silence that protects perpetrators more than it protects girls. 'And until we confront these intersecting issues head-on with honesty, bravery and unflinching determination, we will continue to fail the young women of this nation. South Africa has the policies. We have the frameworks. What we need now is unapologetic implementation across every level of society,' Luwaca said. The engagement with stakeholders is part of an initiative to establish a Roadmap to South Africa's Teenage Pregnancy Prevention and Management Response. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Trump's chronic venous insufficiency mirrors trend in SA, says doctor
US President Donald Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency is not unusual and mirrors a growing trend among ageing South Africans, according to a Durban vascular surgeon at Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. Dr Vinesh Padayachy said the condition, where blood struggles to flow back from the legs to the heart is frequently seen in South African men and women over the age of 70. 'This isn't unique to Trump. We see hundreds of patients a year with the same issue here at home. It's a progressive condition linked to ageing, sedentary lifestyle, weight gain and even genetics. In South Africa, with rising rates of obesity and diabetes, we're seeing more cases, and sometimes at younger ages.' The White House on Thursday announced Trump underwent medical testing after he had been seen with deep bruises on his hand and swollen legs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. 'The president underwent a comprehensive examination including diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremity intravenous doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' said Leavitt. Doctors ruled out any major concerns such as blood clots or cardiac issues, confirming only venous insufficiency. Padayachy said that was an important distinction. 'The real concern would've been if it was deep vein thrombosis or signs of heart failure. But in this case, the diagnosis is straightforward and treatable.' Symptoms often include swelling, heaviness, fatigue in the legs and, in some cases, visible varicose veins or skin darkening. 'In South Africa, especially in the public sector, many patients ignore the early signs because it seems minor until ulcers or infections develop. By then, treatment becomes more complex,' he said. Padayachy said while photos of swelling may alarm the public, the condition does not indicate failing health. 'At Trump's age, this is expected. It doesn't suggest he's unfit or unwell. If anything, it's a wake-up call for many South Africans to take leg health seriously especially if they sit or stand for long hours without movement.' He noted that truck drivers, teachers, factory workers and office staff are often at risk. Treatment involves compression stockings, elevating the legs, light daily movement and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. 'Treatment also includes minimally invasive procedures to seal off the vein that is not working. These procedures can be done in a vascular surgeons' rooms as a walk-in, walk-out procedure,' added Padayachy.
