Health Department warns against fake Covid-19 variant news

The National Department of Health is concerned about an old piece of fake news regarding the Covid-19 Omicron XBB variant that has resurfaced. Posts about the variant have been making the rounds on social media, advising people to wear face masks due to it being deadly and that’s difficult to detect.

The department however says the message is misleading and resurfaced during the pandemic’s peak without a verifiable source.

“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season.”

While reports about the COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant are fake news, COVID-19 is still circulating at relatively low levels nationwide, similar to trends in other parts of the world.

The health department has however reassured citizens that there’s no need for panic. This is due to many people having developed immunity from vaccines and past infections. The current Covid-19 strain is less severe and less transmissible.

“Taking protective measures in our daily lives, including non-pharmaceutical interventions including hand hygiene, will help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections including influenza.”

The department says it will keep everyone informed if there’s a rise in cases related to any virus or disease outbreak.

Get flu vaccine before flu season

While news about a deadly Covid-19 variant is fake, the department has urged citizens to take extra precautions ahead of flu season. This is to further protect themselves against respiratory infections – which typically increase over the winter months.

The influenza season is expected to start in the next few weeks and people especially those at high risk of severe influenza are urged to get the influenza vaccine to prevent severe health complications in case they contract this virus. High-risk patients include adults aged 65 years and older, people with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, pregnant people and people living with HIV and tuberculosis.

“Influenza vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge to people falling into the above-mentioned risk groups. The vaccine can also be purchased in the private sector at several pharmacies.”