As winter approaches, the department of health is to run annual vaccination against influenza to Johannesburg residents.
Health and Social Development MMC Mpho Phalatse said before winter season starts, the department giving 20 000 flu vaccines at its 79 city clinics across seven regions.
“The flu vaccination is free and will run until the allocated vaccines are finished and target groups are reached. Targeted groups include children aged between six to 49 months and pregnant women up to two weeks post-delivery. Patients with chronic conditions such as kidney, diabetes, lung and heart diseases, people living with HIV, patients with compromised immune systems and people older than 65 years,” she said.
Phalatse added that flu is caused by influenza virus transmitted from one person to another through coughing and sneezing mucus directly into eyes, nose or mouth of another person. She said it can also be transmitted through inhalation of aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing, as well as contaminated surfaces of hands.
“Symptoms of flu are sudden onset fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, this happens mostly on children than adults. Flu can be very serious and lead to pneumonia, myocarditis, neurological conditions and other bacterial infections” she added.
Phalatse said the spread of influenza can be prevented in many ways.
“Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, preferably using an elbow as tissue may spread the virus if not properly disposed. Practice good hygiene such as washing hands often, ensure adequate ventilation and use personal protection equipment where necessary”, said Phalatse.
She added that flu vaccine does not guarantee protection against flue. Phalatse said some people who get vaccinated might still get sick as not all strains are covered and the vaccine takes two weeks to become active.
“However, people who are vaccinated against flu are less likely to get sick than those who are not. People need to be re-vaccinated each year due to high mutation rate”, said Phalatse.
