April 10, 2024

The approach of winter prompts experts to advise South Africans to receive the flu vaccine

With the upcoming influenza season, this year's flu vaccine is now accessible in South Africa.
Influenza presents various strains of the virus, each mutating annually, necessitating the production of a new vaccine to ensure ongoing protection, as stated by Dr. Cathelijn Zeijlemaker, a family physician and medical director at Netcare's Primary Care division.
Globally, between three to four million individuals suffer severe influenza illness annually, resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatalities, according to both the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa's Department of Health's National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), who advocate vaccination as the most effective preventive measure.
The most vulnerable to influenza include those with chronic conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children. Dr. Zeijlemaker emphasizes the importance of vaccination, especially for those in close contact with vulnerable individuals, as it helps prevent transmission and safeguards loved ones.
Each September, the WHO's expert advisors recommend the strains to be included in the upcoming year's Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine, ensuring updated protection.
It's important to note that while the influenza vaccine addresses flu strains, it doesn't safeguard against common cold viruses prevalent during winter. Although their symptoms may resemble those of influenza, they tend to be milder and shorter in duration.
Influenza symptoms include body aches, fever, nasal congestion, fatigue, and coughing, hindering daily activities. Children, in particular, have higher susceptibility rates, contributing to increased community transmission.
Despite most individuals recovering within a few days, influenza can lead to prolonged illness and complications. Seeking medical assistance is crucial if symptoms worsen or persist, especially if chest pains or shortness of breath occur.
To combat seasonal flu effectively, obtaining the annual influenza vaccine early is recommended, as it takes approximately two weeks to confer full protection. While flu outbreaks typically peak during winter's colder months, their onset can be unpredictable.
Dr. Zeijlemaker notes that mild side effects such as redness, swelling, soreness at the injection site, or mild fever, rash, headache, or body aches might occur post-vaccination. These symptoms are usually transient and minor, with a slight risk of severe allergic reactions, similar to other medications.