By Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi 
1 hour ago
As concerns about the new coronavirus grow, the virus kills as many as 11,000 people each year, according to health ministry figures for influenza cases in South Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that annual influenza epidemics worldwide cause 5 million serious illnesses, killing approximately 290,000 to 650,000 people.
According to the National Health Service, the flu kills 6,000 to 11,000 South Africans each year. Approximately 50% of these deaths are elderly and approximately 30% have HIV.
According to Dr. Sibuil Madikana: It is important to get the flu vaccine this season. ”
He added that getting a flu vaccine would protect people from various forms of the flu virus this season. Vaccines can prevent or reduce the severity of influenza, but more importantly, they can help simplify the patient assessment process and distinguish them from those with more serious conditions.
Lee Charakoppen
, Bonitas Medical Fund’s chief executive, states five facts about influenza.
1. The flu epidemic changes every year, just like fashion
Influenza strains have a built-in survival mechanism that can mutate or change, thus subverting the body’s immune response. This is why influenza vaccinations are updated every year. That is, last year does not necessarily protect you this year.
2. What are the symptoms of influenza?
These include high temperatures, body pain, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite, all year round. However, some influenza strains last longer and may be more severe. The flu can also cause headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. The flu is even more severe in people with weak immunity.
3. Influenza vaccination does not cause influenza
According to the Center for Disease Control, flu vaccination cannot cause the flu, and serious allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare. However, if you are allergic to eggs, you must notify your doctor.
Currently, influenza vaccines are “inactivated” and are created using a non-infectious influenza vaccine virus or no influenza virus. The most common side effects from shots are a small amount of pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling around the injection site.
4. Protect yourself and your family
Influenza vaccines reduce the likelihood of getting the flu and make it milder if you get the flu. Vaccines train the body to recognize and fight the flu. More importantly, if you are vaccinated, you protect others by so-called “herd immunity.” This includes vulnerable families such as small babies and the elderly, as well as immunocompromised people.
5. Some of the reasons people do not vaccinate
There are several reasons for not getting the flu, not working with the vaccine, hurting the arm, or getting the flu with the vaccine. But there are very good clinical reasons you should do.
During lockdown, flu vaccines are available at pharmacies at Clicks, Dischem, and Pick n Pay.
