THREE pupils from Clifton College in Durban have been booked off sick after they contracted the highly contagious H1N1 flu. The virus is considered to be one of this year’s seasonal influenza strains, but according to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, people with a strong immune system need not worry about getting infected.

Another school, Ashton International College in Ballito, recorded three cases last month.

Dhlomo urged those with compromised immune systems who hadn’t yet received their flu vaccine to ensure that they get vaccinated. This will lead to automatic vaccination against the H1N1 flu strain.

“About two months ago we made a call, as the Department of Health, for people to get vaccinated against flu. The vaccine on offer in South Africa for this season’s flu and includes cover for the H1N1 strain. H1N1 is not a new disease anymore. It’s been around for a number of years. Most of the population has now developed immunity against it,” he said.

Dr Dhlomo said that, since the majority of flu cases will present with mild illness, the vaccine is recommended for people in the ‘high risk’ group such as:

• Pregnant women.

• People with lung conditions, eg: asthma.

• People with haematological and metabolic disorders, eg: diabetes.

• HIV-infected people.

• Children below four years old.

• People above 65 years old.

• Institutionalised people.

“People who fall under these groups should and must go for flu vaccination, as H1N1 will be covered,” he said.