#Wellness Wednesday: Protect yourself from the flu this winter
#Wellness Wednesday: Protect yourself from the flu this winter
According to the NICD, South Africa's flu season began during the week of March 24. While the best time to get vaccinated is before flu season starts—typically between April and June—the NICD emphasizes that it's still not too late to get your flu shot.
Protection from the flu develops about two weeks after vaccination
The vaccine offers some protection from the flu and lessens the severity of the symptoms.
For many people, flu comes with mild symptoms that are resolved in days to a week but for vulnerable groups, influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death.
Those most at risk include:
Pregnant women
People living with HIV
Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity
Older adults (65 years and older)
Children younger than 2 years
Many people mistakenly believe that the flu vaccine can give them the flu, but the NICD has debunked this myth. The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu. After receiving the shot, some may experience mild fever and soreness at the injection site, but not the full-blown flu.
The National Department of Health provides influenza vaccination free of charge to healthcare workers and people in high-risk groups.
To reduce the spread of flu in your community, remember to:
Wash your hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you are feeling unwell if your symptoms worsen or don't improve within three–seven days, seek medical attention.
Information sourced from www.nicd.ac.za
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