Vaccination remains the best protection against severe flu this year

LIFESTYLE NEWS - The Western Cape is currently experiencing the peak of the annual influenza season and the virus is currently circulating in communities.

It is never too late to vaccinate against influenza and individuals who are at risk of severe influenza illness or complications are strongly encouraged to consider getting vaccinated against the flu at their nearest facility (or buy the vaccine at a pharmacy) as soon as possible.

The following groups of people are at high risk of severe influenza: The very young (< 5 years of age); older individuals ≥ 65years; people with underlying medical conditions (such as heart diseases, lung disease, cancer, diabetes, liver/kidney diseases); pregnant women (up to 6 weeks post partum); people living with HIV or TB and health care professionals (to protect themselves and their patients).

The flu vaccine is safe and effective.

“With the colder season upon us, we urge communities to take advantage of the flu vaccination programme and inquire about it at our public health facilities. It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine as long as the influenza virus is circulating.

Vaccination helps protect the individual and those around them from severe illness.” said Charlene Lawrence, Deputy Director of Communicable Diseases Control, Directorate: Service Priorities Coordination, at the department.

Most people will recover from influenza in 3-7 days and the treatment is mostly symptomatic (pain relief and rest). Common symptoms include cough (and/or fever) sore throat, running nose, muscle aches, headache, chest pain or difficulty breathing (occasionally diarrhoea and vomiting. If your symptoms are not resolving or are getting worse please seek medical care.

However, some people are at risk of severe influenza which may include pneumonia and bronchitis. People who are at risk for severe illness (as above) are encouraged to seek medical care earlier rather than later, this may prevent hospitalisation or decrease the time spent in hospital.

If you are unwell with flu, please stay at home (to protect other people). If you need to leave the house while ill, consider wearing a face mask to protect others. Also, stay away from people who are at risk of severe influenza like the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

To date, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has administered 86% of their allocated vaccines across the province but there are still many vaccines available for the high-risk individuals who need them.