The advent of winter will bring an array of influenza viruses. The viruses change continually, which means your body cannot build up an automatic immunity against the flu.
In South Africa hundreds of thousands of people get the flu each year and, while most recover from it within a week or two, there are thousands who become ill enough to require admission to hospital. One typically contracts the flu virus by breathing in droplets spread by coughs or sneezes.
The virus is contagious and can also be spread by touching surfaces that have the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. This is one of the reasons regular hand washing is such a good health measure.
The influenza virus infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). Should you be unfortunate enough to contract the flu virus, you will recognise it by the symptoms of fever, headaches, coughs, sore throats, nasal congestion, body aches and malaise (the feeling of being ill and without energy).
In fact, many people die each year – not just from influenza but also from the complications brought about by the effect the virus has on their systems. For this reasons the flu vaccination is recommended.
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting flu can get vaccinated. It is strongly recommended for young children; people over the age of 50; those with chronic medical conditions; those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities; as well as those who live with or care for those at high risk of developing complications from flu. Healthcare workers should also be vaccinated.
People who should not be vaccinated include those who have a severe allergy to eggs and people who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever. People who are ill should wait until their symptoms have subsided before having a flu vaccination. It is important that you discuss the flu vaccination with your doctor before you get one.
The flu vaccine’s safety in pregnancy has not been established. However, where the benefits outweigh the risks, recommendations are that the vaccine may be used during the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women must see their doctor before getting the flu vaccine.
If you want to be protected against the flu you need to have a flu vaccination every year. This is because small changes or mutations are continually in the flu virus and, as a result, the antibodies that the body formed after infection with influenza or immunisation in a previous season do not recognise the “new virus” and re-infection can occur.
Follow these pointers to prevent the flu:
Avoid close contact with those who have the flu;
Stay home from work, school and away from other people, if possible, when you are sick;
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and
Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds to help protect you from germs.
Certain medical aids will reimburse the vaccine cost from the acute benefit when prescribed by your doctor.
Brought to you by the Government Employees’ Medical Scheme (GEMS)