Public health centers recorded 3,274 cases of acute respiratory infections from January 13 to 19, 2025. A decrease compared to the 3,713 cases the previous week. This figure, however, excludes private data and undeclared cases. Health professionals warn against self-medication and recall the importance of barrier gestures.
Between the flu and COVID-19, vigilance is essential. In one week, between January 13 and 19, 2025, public health centers recorded 3,274 cases of acute respiratory infections. Although this figure marks a slight decrease compared to the 3,713 cases recorded during the week of January 6-12, it only reflects part of the reality: private sector data and unreported cases remain excluded from the statistics. Which means the real situation could be much more worrying.
In view of the types of cases reported, health professionals warn that it is important to prohibit self-medication while warning of the risks of complications linked to the virus, in particular for fragile people or people with a medical history. “An acute respiratory infection can degenerate into serious, sometimes fatal, conditions,” warns Dr. Aswamed Dinassing, acting director general of health services.
It says the circulating viral infection can cause dryness in the throat, which becomes itchy. “When the person coughs, it can injure their trachea and cause bleeding,” he explains. However, he says, this phenomenon is considered “normal” and generally disappears with the right treatment. He specifies that several hundred similar cases have been recorded.
Some pharmacists have observed that flu medications, usually in high demand in winter, have sold out quickly in recent weeks, forcing them to replenish their stocks. “Stocks were emptied quickly,” confides a pharmacist on condition of anonymity. She fears an outbreak of flu cases next winter, highlighting the absence of tests to distinguish flu from COVID-19.
Acute bronchitis
While seasonal flu normally occurs in winter, current acute respiratory infections appear to be more related to COVID-19 than the flu, according to a doctor wishing to remain anonymous. Dr Dinassing specifies that current viral infections constitute a “kind of flu”, with different viruses circulating, presenting similar symptoms: dry cough, runny nose, body aches, fatigue and throat irritation. Among these viruses are influenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19, according to him.
General practitioner Dr. Amit Mahadoo notes that these respiratory infections spread quickly from person to person. He calls on the public to be vigilant, as it is difficult to distinguish between types of viruses. He also reports cases of acute bronchitis. “This situation is unusual. It is reminiscent of what we experienced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he explains.
-According to him, many current cases of COVID-19 are present, but they seem less virulent than the first variants, which caused serious or even fatal symptoms. As a precautionary measure, he recommends wearing a mask in poorly ventilated places.
Limit the spread
Dr Fazil Khodabocus, a public health doctor, says some patients have had to be hospitalized due to complications, both in the public and private sectors. It thus underlines the importance of basic hygiene rules: regular hand washing, use of paper tissues to cover the nose and mouth in case of coughing or sneezing, and wearing a mask to complete barrier gestures. .
He also insists that flu symptoms should not be trivialized. He emphasizes that it is essential to consult a doctor to receive the appropriate treatment. Rest is just as essential, according to him, for rapid recovery and to limit the spread of the virus.
Healthcare professionals and some patients have also noticed that current infections last longer, often beyond a week, particularly in immunocompromised people or those with comorbidities.
Dr. Dinassing specifies that as soon as the incubation period ends, patients begin to feel better. Given the situation, the Acting Director General of Health Services urges the population to take precautions to avoid complications, particularly emphasizing the vigilance of people with a medical history.
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