Nothing marks the end of summer as much as the beginning of the flu period. This year it was reached a full four weeks earlier than last year – the earliest start since 2010. As a rule, the flu period in South Africa begins in April and the highlight in early June.
If you were not sure, the flu is a virus, which means that it grows and changes in time, like a living organism. Every year the flu strains change and our body must keep up to combat infection.
“While some people have these viruses carried out without taking precautions, people need to know that complications due to flu such as pneumonia and the effects of the flu in combination with other health conditions can be very serious and even fatal,” warns Dr. Noluthando Nematsswerani, head of the Center for Clinical Excellency at Discovery Health.
What are the tribes circulating this flu season?
Every February and September, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes technical consultations to recommend the viruses that are absorbed in influenza vaccines for the upcoming influenza seasons of northern and southern hemisphere. Since the influenza virus is constantly evolving, the update of vaccines is crucial to ensure its continued effectiveness against circulating trunks.
This year the triple vaccine was formulated to protect against these three tribes that are most frequently expected during the flu season of 2025 in the southern hemisphere:
- Influenza A (H1N1): One of the most common in recent years, which is sometimes referred to as a pig rib.
- Influenza A (H3N2): Another frequent influenza a trunk that typically circulates every year. It is often associated with serious diseases in older adults.
- Influenza B (Victoria line): This trunk is often found in the circulation and it has been shown that it shows increased infection rates in children.
Read more: 10 cold and flu material that actually work
What should I do during the flu season?
An early start does not mean that this flu season is more serious than others. This means that it is time to improve the supply of your medicine cabinet and plan your flu vaccine if you have not yet done so. Add these practices to prevent the flu from being distributed or does not make yourself sick: Add this to:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your cough and sneeze with your elbow or tissue
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay at home when you feel uncomfortable
According to the National Institute for Transmeable Diseases, your symptoms are looking for or improve medical help within three to seven days if your symptoms deteriorate or not improve.
Is it too late to be vaccinated?
Short answer: no. Although the vaccine is most effective when it is stated before the start of the season, “it is not too late to be vaccinated,” says Nicd in a press release.
“Protection arises about two weeks after vaccination, and an annual vaccination is required because the fluefirs change over time and the protection from one year to the next does not take.”
Read more: missed a dose? It could cost more than they think
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
The vaccine not only protects you, but others around you because it becomes sick or serious complications. In most people, flu symptoms are mild and dissolved in a few days. For some, however, influenza can lead to serious illnesses, hospital stays or even death. Are among the most endangered:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with HIV
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, lung diseases, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease or obesity
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- Children younger than 2 years
In view of the disease burden, which in some provinces already plagued South African and lack of water, which leads to a decline in basic hygiene, it is more important than ever to prevent the start of the flu. Apart from eating foods that increase your immunity and take your vitamins, it is the best defense against new virus tribes.
Although the vaccine is most effective when it is given before the start of the season, it is not too late to be vaccinated. Protection develops about two weeks after the JAB, and an annual vaccination is required because the fluefirs change over time and the protection from one year to the next does not take.
How do vaccinations work?
As soon as they have been injected, your body develops the necessary antibodies to ward off the flu, which usually takes about two weeks. For this reason, the best time is now to vaccinate – they are probably immune until the flu season’s goal. And the idea that the vaccine makes you sick? It could happen that they are exposed to the flu virus before or during the two -week period in which it takes to develop virus antibodies or to be exposed to a circulating seasonal stem that is not included in the vaccine. Other diseases, including the cold, can have similar symptoms to the flu.
Read more: “I ignored my symptoms for 10 years. It turned out that it was this life -changing illness.”
Where can I get the flu shot in South Africa?
Pharmacies in your region should be able to give the shot. You can try medirit, clicks and dis-chem. The JAB also offer public health clinics and hospitals.
You can get the VAX flu for free if …
The National Department of Health Provides Influenza Vaccination Free Of Charge to Healthcare Workers, individuals Aggears and Older, Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease (Including Chronic Heart Disease, Hypertension, Or Stroke), Diabetes, Chronic Lung Disease (including Asthma, Or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), immunosuppressive condition (eG live with hiv and aids, or malignancy), as well as pregnant.
