Get your flu vaccine pronto
It may be a good idea to get your flu vaccination before the winter hits.
If the Northern Hemisphere’s winter flu stats are anything to go by, South Africans will need to get their flu shots as soon as possible.
Over the last few months, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States noted an unusually high number of severe respiratory illnesses among young and middle-aged adults.
Many of these cases were linked to the H1N1 virus strain, comonly known as swine flu.
As the World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribes, the American and European flu seasons firmly indicate what South Africa can expect as the winter strikes.
“Medical schemes and the National Department of Health always urge high risk patients to get their flu shots before the flu season hits,” says CEO of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA), Jackie Maimin.
“However, with stats now indicating that more young adults and children are being diagnosed with these serious flu strains, it is now recommended that everyone from six months of age and up should be vaccinated.”
Many medical schemes have started to cover flu vaccinations for all age groups, underlining the value of a flu shot and its beneficial qualities.
“Even for those without a medical scheme, the cost of a flu vaccination is minimal when compared to the medical expenses associated with treating influenza. “These strains of flu can be life-threatening, and as such, vaccination is one of the most cost-effective healthcare investments you can make this year,” says Jackie.
