Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute viral respiratory infection transmitted by the influenza virus.

There are three main types of the virus: A, B and C. The current seasonal viruses are A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses.

The flu season in South Africa usually starts at the beginning of winter. With global travel though, we are seeing individuals with various viruses causing respiratory symptoms throughout the year. This year in South Africa, the flu season started earlier than expected, in the week of March 24, based on monitoring at government health facilities.

The start of the flu season needs to be a reminder to safeguard ourselves by getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine is available at government and private healthcare facilities, including general practitioners and pharmacies.

The vaccine does not contain a live virus and takes two weeks for protection to develop after vaccine administration. One can still develop flu symptoms with the virus, but the intensity and frequency of symptoms should be less severe than without having been vaccinated. One needs to be vaccinated annually as flu viruses mutate over time and the vaccine is therefore updated annually.

This year, the flu season has begun four weeks earlier than 2024, and is the earliest start since 2010. Flu symptoms in the majority of people are mild and resolve within several days, but for some, it can progress to severe illness, hospitalisation or even death.

Those individuals most at risk include:

● People with compromised immune systems, for example HIV.

● Pregnant women

● People with chronic illnesses, for example diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease and obesity.

● Those older the age of 65 years.

● Those younger than 2 years of age.

It is recommended that the above groups in particular get vaccinated as soon as possible and to also seek medical care if they develop symptoms of the flu. Those working in healthcare are also encouraged to vaccinate to protect themselves and their patients.

The influenza (flu) vaccine is provided free of charge by the National Department of Health to healthcare workers, those over the age of 65 years, those with chronic illnesses, immunosuppressive conditions as well as pregnant women.

To help reduce the transmission of the flu, apart from vaccination, don’t forget to:

● Wash your hands frequently.

● To cough and sneeze either in a tissue or in one’s elbow.

● To avoid close contact with those who are sick.

If one’s symptoms do not improve, or worsen within 3 to 7 days, visit a healthcare worker.

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