It’s flu season – get vaccinated  

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While most people recover fully from flu after a week or two without needing any special treatment, this viral condition can cause serious illness, particularly for those at risk, including the elderly, pregnant women and young children.

“The influenza or flu virus is particularly fast, clever and savvy at adapting, causing it to constantly evolve new strains to evade our immunity, which means we can become sick every flu season,” explains Dr Michael de Villiers, a general practitioner (GP) practising at the Netcare Medicross The Berg.

“Every year, a new vaccination is typically developed for new and particularly bad flu strains. There are many cold and flu viruses to target, and scientists work hard to protect against the most threatening variations.

“However, including protection for all strains in the annual flu vaccine is not yet possible. Influenza is caused by a group of viruses, which are tiny, invisible ‘bugs’ that have adapted to be highly efficient in spreading from person to person by remaining in the air or on surfaces after contamination.

“Symptoms commonly include body aches, fever, nasal congestion, tiredness and coughing, which can interfere with your ability to work or perform daily activities,” he says.

The World Health Organisation and the Department of Health’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases recognise vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the flu.

“Explained in simple terms, vaccines act as ‘coaches’ that help to prepare the immune system to quickly defend itself from future invasions of a particular virus before it grows in the body and becomes overwhelming. It takes about two weeks to train the immune system to build up the firepower it needs to quickly fight off a full attack of the flu.

“The influenza vaccine is generally recommended to those at risk of severe flu with complications, which includes people with health challenges, including those with chronic illness, those pregnant or planning pregnancy and people over 60.

“The second group of people who should consider having the flu vaccine are those with high exposure to potential flu infection, such as healthcare workers, care workers or caregivers and those who work with children or live with people who are at higher risk, such as those with compromised immune systems.

“It is important to remember that even if you do not get sick with the flu yourself, you can still carry it and pass the infection to others, leading to wider transmission in communities,” he recommends.

“If you do fall ill, contrary to common belief, antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu caused by various viruses, a specific type of organism. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, a completely different and unrelated set of microorganisms.

“There’s no point taking an antibiotic unless there is evidence that the problem is bacterial. For flu viruses, this would be comparable to using a fly swatter to kill a lion, and therefore not an effective or useful strategy in this situation,” he explains.

Using medicine like antibiotics when you do not need them can lead to unnecessary side effects, some of which are serious. This adds to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which happens when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics faster than we can create new medicines to treat serious infections.

“It is not a good idea to exercise when you are sick with a cold or flu, especially when it is ‘below the throat’, with symptoms affecting your chest, because this could put you at risk of serious heart muscle complications, among others.

“It’s best to rest and allow your body to devote its resources to your immune army because exercise can worsen the illness or prolong it,” he says.

“If the flu is accompanied by any worrying or persisting symptoms, like chest pains, shortness of breath, fast breathing or drowsiness, particularly in children, blue discolouration, severe headaches and muscle pains, and if it is not responding to medicine, immediately consult a doctor.

“If you or your loved one has underlying health or medication problems or any concern over the body’s ability to fight off infection, book an appointment to see your GP for a check-up. We are always happy to help,” De Villiers concludes.

Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng gave this advice to stay healthy and protect those around you:
• Get the flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and older;

• Frequently wash your hands. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is unavailable, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol;

• Cover your coughs and sneeze. Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Throw away used tissues and wash your hands afterwards;

• Avoid close contact with sick people. If someone around you is unwell, keep your distance;

• Stay home if you feel sick. Rest, hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids, and avoid spreading the flu to others. Return to normal activities only once you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

• Keep your surroundings clean. Regularly disinfect commonly touched items like phones, door handles and countertops.

• Take care of your health. Eat healthy foods, stay active, get enough sleep and drink lots of water;

• See a doctor if you have flu symptoms. Early treatment can help you recover faster and prevent complications. Flu symptoms include a fever, a cough, a sore throat, body aches, fatigue and chills.

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