Health Institute warns of rising respiratory, flu cases as cold weather persists

In light of the ongoing severe cold season, the Kenya National Public Health Institute has urged the public to strengthen their immunity to combat an increased risk of respiratory illnesses and flu cases in some parts of the country.

The institute has recommended that Kenyans consume vitamins and supplements, particularly from fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries, along with a variety of vegetables.

The public has been urged to wear a face mask if they feel unwell, cover their mouth when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted significant rainfall and cool weather conditions over several regions, including Nairobi, in the coming week.

Director of Meteorological Services Kennedy Thiong’o, announced that the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and Northwestern Kenya would experience morning rains followed by afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.

“These counties will experience rains in the morning, with showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The maximum temperatures will reach 30°C, while the minimum will drop to 10°C,” Thiong’o said.

Affected counties include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.

Additionally, Northwestern counties, such as Turkana and Samburu, are expected to see showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from a high of 36°C to a low of 12°C.

Further, Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, will experience morning rain and afternoon and evening showers, with maximum temperatures peaking at 26°C and minimum temperatures dipping to 9°C.

North-Eastern counties, including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, will have sunny intervals in the morning and afternoon, transitioning to partly cloudy skies at night.

Thiong’o noted that temperatures are expected to range from a maximum of 36°C to a minimum of 15°C. Similar conditions are anticipated in Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta counties.

Coastal regions, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, will be predominantly sunny in the morning and afternoon, with showers expected in a few places in the evening. Temperatures are forecasted to reach up to 31°C, with lows of 20°C.