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The National Department of Health has addressed concerns regarding old and false information circulating on social media platforms about the supposed emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant. The department has clarified that these claims are unfounded and misleading.
The department warns the public to remain vigilant and disregard such misinformation, emphasizing that its primary aim is to incite unnecessary panic and confusion, particularly as the country enters the influenza season. This misleading message, the department highlights, initially surfaced during the peak of the pandemic without any credible source.
While COVID-19 continues to circulate at relatively low levels across the country, the department assures the public that there is no cause for alarm. Many individuals have developed immunity through vaccination or prior infection. Furthermore, the current strain or variant in circulation is reported to be less severe and less transmissible.
Emphasizing the importance of daily protective measures, including hand hygiene and non-pharmaceutical interventions, the department stresses that these practices can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including influenza.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has notified the department that the country is currently experiencing the peak season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which shares common symptoms with COVID-19. RSV primarily affects young children but can also contribute to respiratory illness in older individuals.
With the flu season expected to commence in the coming weeks, the department advises individuals at high risk of contracting the virus, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, individuals living with HIV or tuberculosis, and pregnant individuals, to receive the flu vaccine. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate the risk of severe health complications associated with influenza.
As the department remains vigilant in monitoring the situation, it pledges to keep the public informed in the event of any surge in illness caused by a virus of concern or the outbreak of any disease.
In light of these developments, the public is urged to remain informed through credible sources and to adopt preventive measures to safeguard their health and that of their loved ones during this period.
