Get ready for winter and get a flu injection

With this winter’s flu strains proving to be even more virulent, South Africans are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

In a media statement from Netcare, medical director Dr Annamarie Richter states “The flu vaccine is usually available in South Africa in early March but delivery was delayed due to the fact that the vaccine had to be modified to better match the strains of flu that are currently doing the rounds.”

Each year flu vaccines are modified to comply with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.

“Children over six months, the elderly, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection and severe flu-associated complications, so it is vital that they get their flu vaccinations now,” says Richter.

Complications from flu include pneumonia, bacterial infections, inflammation of the heart and neurological conditions.

Although there are a few misconceptions about flu vaccinations, it is impossible to get flu from a flu vaccine as it does not contain any of the live virus.

Mild side effects such as minor headaches, a slight fever or swelling and soreness at the injection site might occur.

Richter believes a flu vaccination is still the most effective way to protect the community against flu and its complications.

The Addie contacted several pharmacies in the CBD, who gave assurance that the vaccine will be available from next week.