Influenza season is here

It is that time of the year again when the sounds of coughing and noses being blown echo through school halls, places of work and public areas. The annual influenza (flu) season has arrived. Every winter, from May to August, South Africa experiences an increase in flu cases.

In the majority of people flu is an uncomplicated illness lasting 3 to 7 days. The illness is characterised by sudden onset of constitutional and respiratory symptoms such as fever, body pains, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and headache.

However, for people within the high risk category, flu can cause serious illness leading to hospitalisation and even death.

Flu vaccination is especially important for people at increased risk of developing severe influenza. The department of health will thus be providing flu vaccines to these high risk groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, nervous system disorders, or a weakened immune system.

Flu vaccine remains the primary means for preventing seasonal flu infection. Flu viruses are always changing, therefore each year’s flu vaccine is made specifically to protect against the viruses that are likely to cause disease that particular year. This is based on data collected from global influenza surveillance.

Western Cape Government Health received 86 085 vaccine units for those people at high risk; 12 150 of these are allocated to the Eden District.

Members of the public are encouraged to be vaccinated to protect themselves, families, their children and colleagues from influenza.

Influenza is highly contagious and is spread by respiratory droplets (from sneezing and coughing), touching surfaces that other people have touched and touching other people. It can spread easily, especially in closed communities like schools, the workplace and institutions. Avoiding contact with people who are ill should also be considered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you get flu?

The flu virus spreads mainly through droplets ejected when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are close by. You can also catch flu by touching a surface or an object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

For how long is a person with influenza contagious?

People with flu may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before they know that they are sick, as well as while they are sick. A person with flu may be contagious one day before symptoms appear and for 3 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, may be infectious for an even longer time.

How safe is the vaccine?

The vaccine cannot result in influenza infection, as there is no live virus contained within the vaccine. Some persons experience mild fever and local pain at the injection site. Overall, the vaccine has an excellent safety record.