Residents urged to get flu vaccine as season starts

Residents are urged to get vaccinated against the flu, as South Africa’s influenza season officially begins.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said the flu season arrived earlier than expected, starting in the week of March 24.

Spokesperson Vuyo Sabani said the flu season started four weeks earlier than last year and this is its earliest start since 2010, based on pneumonia surveillance in public hospitals.

“This early start doesn’t mean that this year’s flu season will be more severe than in previous years, but it does mean that now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the flu vaccine,” he said.

Sabani said the seasonal influenza vaccine is available at public health clinics and through private healthcare providers, including general practitioners and pharmacies.

“Although the vaccine is most effective when given before the season starts, it is not too late to get vaccinated,” Sabani explained.

“Protection develops about two weeks after vaccination, and annual vaccination is needed as flu viruses change over time and protection does not last from one year to the next.”

He said that for most people, flu symptoms are mild and resolve in a few days.

“But for some, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation or even death.”

Those most at risk include:

– Pregnant women

– People living with HIV

– Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity
– Older adults (65 years and older)

– Children younger than two years

“These groups are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to seek medical care early if they develop flu symptoms,” Sabani said.

In addition, healthcare workers are also encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their patients who may be at increased risk of having severe influenza illness should they be infected.

He said the National Department of Health provides free influenza vaccination to:

– healthcare workers,
-the elderly (people aged 65 years and older),
-individuals with two cardiovascular diseases (including chronic heart disease, hypertension or stroke),
– people suffering from diabetes, chronic lung disease (including asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
– people with immunosuppressive conditions (living with HIV/Aids or malignancy),
– pregnant women.

To reduce the spread of flu in your community, remember to:

– Wash your hands often.
– Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
– Stay home if you are feeling unwell.
– If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within 3–7 days, seek medical attention.

Sabani said clinicians are urged to consider influenza when diagnosing patients with respiratory illness this season.