# 1077
First it was New Zealand, then it was (and still is) Australia. Now South Africa is reporting a severe flu. No, this isn't pandemic influenza, just a particularly nasty seasonal flu.
The height of the Flu Season in South Africa is normally June and July, so this year the flu season is running a bit late.
A local doctor has an interesting theory as to why the flu season is late this year. Schools were closed due to strikes in June and July, but are back in session now. Suddenly, the flu has exploded.
More evidence that the CDC is on the right track when they recommend the closure of schools during a pandemic.
A Hat Tip to Okieman on the Wiki for posting this article.
Vicious flu outbreak hits Durban
August 21 2007 at 12:13PM
By Troy Martens
A vicious flu virus is sweeping across Durban, and people with chest ailments have been warned to take extra care.
The spread of the virus, which has led to several patients being admitted to hospital, has in part been speeded up by the ending of the recent public service strike.
The outbreak does not fall directly within the Durban flu season, which is usually around June and July, but can go on until early September. This season is later than usual.'This season is later than usual'
Dr Prithy Ramlachan, who runs a medical practice in Newlands, attributes this to the fact that schools were out during June and July because of the public service strike. Now that schools are back the virus is spreading easily again.
Nursing staff, hospitals and paramedics have all confirmed an increase in flu patients in the past week.
According to Ramlachan, this debilitating flu takes only about 10 minutes before people start feeling the symptoms.
"I have seen a marked number of people suffering from the flu, the difference between the early symptoms of this flu and a cold are the chills you will feel in the early stages.
I've been dealing with patients since last week who come into my rooms wearing big jackets and scarves saying they have never been so cold. Yet it was a sunny day outside," said Ramlachan.
'The virus is spreading easily'
"We haven't seen flu like this in Durban in years," said Melanie van der Walt, head sister at the Bluff Medicross Clinic.
