By Ruth Serwaa Asare
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has alerted the public to an increase in seasonal influenza cases being recorded across parts of the country. According to the Service, the rise in cases has been linked to the Influenza A strains H3N2 and H1N1, which are part of the seasonal flu viruses.
In a statement issued and signed by the Acting Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the affected regions include the Greater Accra, Central, Bono, and Eastern Regions. The Service noted that the surge coincides with Ghana’s annual flu season, which typically peaks during the cooler months.
The symptoms of the seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. The GHS explained that the disease mainly spreads through respiratory droplets from infected individuals through coughing, sneezing, or talking and by touching contaminated surfaces.
The Service identified children and adolescents (especially those in school), the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease as being most at risk.
The GHS advised the public to:
1. Seek early medical care if flu-like symptoms develop.
2. Stay home when unwell to avoid spreading the infection.
3. Maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and running water, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
4. Avoid crowded areas and close contact with sick individuals.
5. Use face masks in crowded environments.
To control the spread, the Ghana Health Service says it has intensified surveillance and rapid diagnostic testing at health facilities. Case management protocols for clinicians have also been updated, and public education campaigns are ongoing through media and community channels.
Dr. Akoriyea further stated that GHS is collaborating with regional health directorates to ensure a coordinated and timely response. As schools reopen, the Service is urging school authorities, parents, and students to strictly adhere to flu prevention measures to protect the health of learners and staff.
“The Ministry of Health through the Ghana Health Service assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain these high flu cases. Cooperation from stakeholders is vital in protecting yourself, your family, and your community,” the statement concluded.
