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.

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 

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