HIGHVELD – The flu season is here and residents of the Govan Mbeki municipal area are tightly in its grip.
Although flu is nothing out of the ordinary, numerous cases of swine flu have been reported in Secunda, especially among toddlers.
In some cases, an entire crèche had to close down for several days to prevent the virus from spreading.
Ms Anelda Steyn, Infection Prevention and Control Manager at the Mediclinic Highveld, said the most common flu strains this year include H1N1, previously known as swine flu, and H3N2.
She compiled an information piece about influenza and how locals can cope with this.
What is influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.
Who is at high risk:
Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick.
This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women and young children.
The onset of symptoms:
The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about 1 to 4 days, with an average of about two days.
How Flu Spreads:
Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
There are two main types of flu causing illness in humans, seen as seasonal flu:
•Influenza A
•Influenza B
The flu vaccine this year protects against Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and one Influenza B strain.
Signs and symptoms of people who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
•Fever or feeling feverish/chills
•Cough and sore throat
•Runny or stuffy nose
•Muscle or body aches and headaches
•Fatigue (very tired)
•Some people may have vomiting and diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Advice for parents and caregivers – Take everyday preventative actions:
•Covering your cough and frequent hand washing can help keep germs from spreading;
•Keep your child/child in your care away from people who are sick as much as you can;
•If you get the flu or flu symptoms, avoid contact with people;
•Try not to touch your eyes, mouth or nose – germs spread this way;
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
Antiviral drugs can treat the flu:
•Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics;
•It is prescription drugs that are only for the treatment of flu. Ms Steyn said people should remember how the flu spreads.
“If you get flu signs or symptoms, please visit your doctor.”
