As we enter the annual flu season, Johannesburg residents have been urged to get vaccinated against influenza (flu).
Before the winter season kicks in, the City of Joburg’s Health Department is administering 20, 000 flu vaccines at its 79 city clinics which are spread across the seven regions.
The free flu vaccination drive kicked off on the 20th of March 2019 and will run until most of the target groups are reached and the allocated vaccines are finished.
The targeted groups include children aged between six to 49 months, pregnant women up to two weeks post-delivery, patients with any chronic conditions such as kidney, diabetes, lung and heart diseases, people living with HIV, patients with compromised immune systems, as well as people older than 65 years.
Flu is caused by the Influenza virus transmitted from person-to-person by direct transmission - coughing and sneezing (droplet) mucus directly into the eyes, nose or mouth of another person. It can also be transmitted through inhalation of aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing, as well as contaminated surfaces or hands.
Typical symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea, which is more likely in children than adults. Influenza disease can be very serious leading to complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), neurological conditions and other bacterial infections.
To prevent the spread of flu, avoid close contact with people who are ill, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, preferably using an elbow as tissues may spread the virus if not properly disposed of. In addition, practice good hygiene such as washing your hands often, ensure adequate ventilation and use personal protective equipment where necessary.
A flu vaccine does not guarantee protection against flu. Some people who get vaccinated might still get sick because not all the strains are covered and the vaccine takes two weeks to become effective. However, people who are vaccinated against flu are less likely to get sick than those who are not. Due to a high mutation rate, people need to be re-vaccinated each year.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated against flu.
For media queries, please contact:
Sebaka Molapo
Director: Executive Support – Office of the MMC for Health & Social Development
Email: sebakam@joburg.org.za
Call: 081 235 0206
