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We’ve all been there - the sore throat, runny nose and cough1. Often, feeling like this is due to the common cold, especially if the onset is gradual and the symptoms quite mild1. But with winter approaching2, is flu something we really need to worry about?
While more than 100 different viruses can cause a cold2, influenza is caused by one of four viruses, namely types A, B, C and D, with the circulation of Influenza A and B causing seasonal outbreaks of the disease3. Flu is characterised by an abrupt onset which could include chills, fever, headache, fatigue, weakness along with chest discomfort and coughing, as well as sometimes a blocked or runny nose and sore throat1.
An increased incidence of flu is generally associated with autumn and winter. This is because the flu virus lives longer indoors and thrives in less humid conditions. The colder months also sees people spend more time indoors and in closer contact with others, which leads to more inhalation of the virus, or contracting it through the eyes, nose or mouth2.
Most people who get flu will recover in a time period of between a few days and two weeks. The danger of flu is that some people may develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening1. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, seasonal flu results in an estimated three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 290 000 to 650 000 deaths globally, with between 6 000 and 11 000 people in South Africa dying as a result of flu complications every year4.
Approximately half of these deaths are in the elderly, with the highest rates of hospitalisation being in those 65 years and older, those with HIV and children less than five years of age. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk of hospitalisation and death from flu infections. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis and heart disease are also at increased risk of being hospitalised as a result of flu4.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu3.
Because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season5.
In collaboration with partners globally, the WHO continuously monitors influenza viruses and activity globally, and recommends what to include in seasonal influenza vaccines twice a year, to accommodate flu seasons in both the northern and southern hemispheres. This guides countries in terms of which formulation vaccines to use and supports decisions for timing of vaccination campaigns3.
With flu vaccinations being safe, effective and used for more than 60 years, the WHO recommends an annual flu vaccination especially for those more at risk of flu complications, including pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years of age, people over the age of 65, people with chronic medical conditions and health workers3.
Even for those people who are not at an increased risk of complications, an annual flu vaccination can prevent severe illness, reduce time off work or school, and can help limit the spread of flu to loved ones and colleagues5. In fact, vaccinated employees can serve as a barrier to limit the spread of influenza within the workplace and wider community by as much as 78%6.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce its own antibodies against the disease. Contrary to what some people may believe, none of the ingredients in the vaccine can cause actual flu7.
Although the timing of the flu season varies from year to year in South Africa, it is generally most severe during the winter months of May to August, but can start as early as April or as late as July, with the average duration of the flu season lasting 19 weeks8. The best time to get your flu vaccine is before the season starts, ideally as early as March, but getting it later will protect you during the remainder of the season9.
Flu vaccinations will be available at most healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics in South Africa from XX.
One option available includes an innovative smart syringe which is designed for precise dosing and injection site comfort, especially helpful when administering to children or those who may be a little nervous of the needle! Don’t delay, have your flu vaccination and have your healthiest winter yet.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Symptoms and Complications (2022) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm# (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
2. WebMD. What Causes The Flu (2023) at https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/what-causes-flu-viruses (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
3. World Health Organization. Key Facts (2023) at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)# (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
4. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Influenza Season Approaching (2018) at https://www.nicd.ac.za/influenza-season-approaching/# (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Strong Defence Against Flu – Get Vaccinated! (2020) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/strong-defense-against-flu.pdf (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
6. Verelst, F et al. Workplace influenza vaccination to reduce employee absenteeism: An economic analysis from the employers’ perspective. Vaccine (2021) at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X21001687 (website accessed on 19 December 2023)
7. Influvac Package insert 2023/2024 (Northern Hemisphere)
8. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Flu Season is Around the Corner (2019) at https://www.nicd.ac.za/flu-season-is-around-the-corner/ (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
9. Specialist Paed. Flu in South Africa and flu vaccines (2017) at https://specialistpaed.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/influenza-information-2017.pdf (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
10. Influvac® Smart Syringe System; Data on file.
This post and content is sponsored, written and produced by Abbott.
