Joburg residents urged to be vaccinated against flu

Johannesburg MMC for Health and Social Development Dr Mpho Phalatse has called on Joburg residents to be vaccinated against influenza.

The City of Joburg’s Health Department said it plans to administer 20 000 flu vaccinations at its 79 clinics which are spread across seven regions of the city.

“The free vaccination drive kicked off on the 20th of March 2019 and will run until most of the target groups are reached and the allocated vacancies are finished,” said Phalatse.

“The target groups include children between six to 49 months, pregnant women up to two weeks post-delivery, patients with any chronic conditions such as kidney, diabetes, lung and heart diseases, people living with HIV, patients with a compromised immune system, as well as people older than 65 years.”

Flu is caused by the influenza virus transmitted from person-to-person by direct transmission, coughing and sneezing mucus directly into the eyes, nose or mouth of another person. The MMC said flu can be transmitted through inhalation of aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing as well as contaminated surfaces or hands.

“Typical symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea which is more likely to children than adults.

“Influenza diseases can be very serious leading to complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, neurological conditions and other bacterial infections.”

The MMC advised people to avoid the spread of flu. “To avoid the spread of flu, avoid close contact with people who are ill, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, preferably using an elbow as tissues may spread the virus if not properly disposed of.

However, the MMC said a flu vaccine does not guarantee protection against flu. “Some people who get vaccinated might still get sick because not all the strains are covered and the vaccine takes two weeks to become effective.”

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https://midrandreporter.co.za/110616/vaccinate-to-beat-flu/