The power to prevent the flu begins with YOU
Every year, the influenza virus causes epidemics of flu in communities throughout the country. This year may be especially burdensome due to the COVID-19 pandemic happening at the same time.
The flu shot, also known as the influenza vaccine, is a safe and effective way that helps prevent you from getting seasonal flu. Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to life-threatening.
Typical cases of the flu can last from three to five days with a cough lingering for up to three weeks.Flu symptoms include the following:
● A quick onset of feeling ill
● Fever/chills
● Fatigue
● Muscle/body aches
● Sore throat
● Cough
● Headache
Some people (often children) may also experience a stuffy nose, vomiting or diarrhoea. Also, it's important to note that not everyone will necessarily experience a fever with the flu.Who should get the Flu Vaccine?The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including:
● Pregnant women
● Older adults
● Young children
Chronic medical conditions also can increase your risk of influenza complications. Examples include:
● Asthma
● Cancer or cancer treatment
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
● Cystic fibrosis
● Diabetes
● HIV/AIDS
● Kidney or liver disease
● Obesity
Anyone with a chronic medical condition should get the flu vaccine.Who shouldn't get the Flu Vaccine?The influenza vaccine is very safe, although there are some groups of people that shouldn’t get it. They include:
● children less than 6 months of age
● people who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
● those with egg or mercury allergies
● those with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Other Benefits of Flu Vaccine
Influenza is associated with higher rates of complications, hospitalisations and even death in individuals living with non-communicable diseases compared to the general population.
For example, people with asthma and COPD suffer from more severe breathing problems if they contract a respiratory infection such as influenza; those with diabetes–and pregnant women–are more likely than others to be hospitalised when they have flu; while the risk of stroke and heart attacks is increased three-and five-fold. Flu shots also allow the development of community immunity. If enough people get the vaccine, the flu is unable to spread rapidly through communities. As a result, people in high risk groups are less likely to get the flu. Flu shots are, therefore, important for protecting others from severe illnesses.
Protect the circle of life and the moments that matter the most by getting the flu vaccine today! Flu vaccines now available at a trusted Alpha Pharm Pharmacy in your community. Visit Our Facebook page @AlphaPharmOfficial or www.alphapharmacies.co.za for more info.
