Several Kenyans have been complaining of flu symptoms including running nose, fever, sneezing and headaches for the last few weeks.

Medical research that was done by Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) and Centre for Global Health Research in Kisumu reveal that the symptom Kenyans have been experiencing is due to the outbreak of Influenza A – a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system.

The survey was done between September and November among 36 school children. Kisumu County’s Director of Public Health Fredrick Oluoch revealed that out of the 36 children tested, four of them turned out positive of Influenza.

Oluoch revealed that the four children who turned out positive were from Muhoroni, Siaya County, Kisumu Central and Ahero, an indication that the viral disease had spread within the region and countrywide.

“This means that the virus has been circulating in the population and the children could be spreading it to adults,” Okumu said as reported by Daily Nation.

Dr Walter Otieno, a leading paediatrician from Kisumu, said that he has been admitting several children exhibiting symptoms of the flu.

Otieno further revealed that there is a worrying trend of the virus becoming severe among children.

“Though it is also common in adults, it is more severe in children, and I am afraid it is becoming severe among the children at the moment,” he said.

Same as in Kisumu, Nairobi has also been recording high cases of the flu. Gertrude Children’s Hospital in Donholm is said to have recorded up to 100 cases of children having symptoms of the flu.

Research shows that cold weather worsens the upper respiratory tract infections in humans therefore Kenyans should brace themselves for high cases of flu during this cold season.