Health department – get flu vaccine as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at peak circulation
The RSV virus can cause more severe illness in young children, older individuals or those who are immuno-compromised. Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are starting to see an increase in cases, so immunisation is advised.
“RESPIRATORY syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at peak circulation in the country while influenza virus infections are starting to increase,” said the Department of Health in a press statement yesterday morning (Sunday).
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Members of the public are therefore encouraged to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections which are expected to increase over the winter season.
People infected with influenza are usually contagious for three to eight days. Preventative measures, such as wearing of masks and social distancing, are especially recommended for those who are ill.
It further stated that Covid-19 continues to spread at low levels.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has a surveillance system that monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country and has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of RSV which can be confused by some people with Covid-19 or SARS-CoV-2 due to common symptoms.
The RSV virus causes illness mainly in young children but also contributes to respiratory illness in older individuals. Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are starting to see an increase in cases.
While most diseases caused by influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are mild, these viruses may cause severe illness and even death to citizens around the country, particularly in individuals with conditions placing them at high risk of severe disease.
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The influenza season is expected to start in the next few weeks, and people especially those at high risk of severe influenza – adults aged 65 years and older, people with underlying illnesses, such as heart and lung disease, and people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people – should get the influenza vaccine to prevent severe health complications in case they contract this virus.
The influenza vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge – on a first-come-first-serve basis – to people falling into the above-mentioned risk groups.
The vaccine can also be purchased in the private sector at several pharmacies for other people who fall in the high-risk groups as well as for those who do not fall into one of the risk groups but who would like to protect themselves from influenza.
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