Having a flu vaccination every year is your best protection against the flu – the vaccination decreases your chance of catching flu by up to 80%!

Your GP, most clinics and many pharmacies offer the flu jab. If your local pharmacy has a clinic, make an appointment to see the clinic sister. You can also contact your Employee Wellbeing Programme should you require help and advice on where to go.

Note: Children from the age of six months old can be vaccinated. If you have children at crèche, pre-primary or primary school then it is best to get them vaccinated as viruses spread rapidly in younger children.

WHY should you have a flu vaccination?

Seasonal flu season runs from as early as May to as late as September, throughout winter. During this time flu viruses are circulating. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

When more people get vaccinated against the flu then less flu can spread through schools, communities and workplaces.

WHEN should you get a flu vaccination?

It is best to have the vaccination before the end of April. The earlier you have it, the more time that your immune system has to build up an immunity. You can still have the vaccination anytime during winter.

HOW does the flu vaccine work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against the neutralised flu viruses that are in the vaccine – these viruses change each year based on international surveillance and on scientists’ estimates about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

WHO should get the vaccination?

Anyone can get the flu jab but it is advised for at-risk populations including:

• People 65 years and older.
• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia; those with medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, HIV infection, cancer, chronic lung disease and organ transplant patients.
• Pregnant women; consult your doctor first.
• People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications – those with medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, HIV infection and chronic lung disease.
• People who work in an open-plan environment where germs and viruses can circulate freely.

If you are allergic to egg white, are in your first trimester of pregnancy, or have had a bad reaction to any vaccine in the past then consult your doctor before you get your flu jab.

More about the flu

Influenza is not the deadly killer that it once was, but even in modern times it still claims many thousands of lives around the world. There are two main types of the virus – Influenza A and Influenza B – both may cause a more severe illness than other respiratory infections such as the common cold, or the less potent Influenza C-strain. In most cases the virus will run its course and recovery will take about two weeks. If you develop a secondary infection then this may lead to ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu then you may start to display your own symptoms two to four days later. Symptoms include body aches and pains, runny nose, high fever, dry cough, and sore throat. These are generally worse than with the common cold, with the most severe symptoms presenting themselves in the first four days. In mild cases you will be able to treat flu at home with pharmacy-recommended over-the-counter (OTC) medication, but if symptoms persist beyond a few days, or worsen, then you should see your doctor.

Does the flu jab have side-effects?

Some people may experience flu-like symptoms, sore muscles, malaise and possibly a low-grade fever after the vaccination. In most cases these symptoms disappear within 48 hours without treatment. Some may also experience slight discomfort on the arm where the jab was given.

Resources

• Gina Hartoog
• Sr. Amanda Pienaar, Kemcity Pharmacy
• www. health24.com
• www.cdc.gov/flu