As the winter season approaches, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is encouraging residents to take up the influenza vaccination available at public health clinics.

Seasonal flu transmission remains a public health concern during colder months and transitional weather periods.

The department’s vaccination programme aims to reduce the impact of seasonal influenza, with a particular focus on protecting those at higher risk of infection, severe illness and complications.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infection that continues to circulate throughout the year, including during and beyond the peak winter season.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

While many people recover without complications, influenza can lead to severe illness or even death, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The department emphasised that vaccination should be complemented by basic infection prevention measures, including regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, maintaining good ventilation in indoor spaces and practising general hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission in both community and healthcare settings.

Influenza typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms such as fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, runny nose and fatigue.

Although most healthy individuals recover quickly, complications remain a risk for high-priority groups.

These include healthcare workers, persons aged 65 years and older, individuals with chronic underlying conditions, adults living with HIV, pregnant women, and residents of old-age homes, chronic care and rehabilitation facilities. Children aged six months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy are also at increased risk.

The department is urging residents to prioritise their health by visiting their nearest public health clinic for an influenza vaccination to ensure continued protection against the virus.

It further reassured the public that influenza vaccines are safe, effective and have undergone rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes to ensure their quality and safety.