MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Western Cape is experiencing the peak of the annual influenza season with the virus circulating in communities.

According to the Western Cape Department of Health, it is never too late to vaccinate against influenza. Individuals at risk of severe influenza illness or complications relating to it are urged to consider getting vaccinated against the flu at their nearest facility or buy the vaccine at a pharmacy as soon as possible.

The following groups of people are at high risk of severe influenza:

• Young children under the age of five
• Older individuals, 65 years and older
• People with underlying medical conditions such as heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases, cancer or diabetes
• Pregnant women and women up to six weeks postpartum
• People living with HIV or TB and health care professionals (to protect themselves and their patients).

The flu vaccine is safe and effective

"With the colder season upon us, we urge communities to take advantage of the flu vaccination programme and inquire about it at our public health facilities," said Charlene Lawrence, the department's deputy director of communicable diseases control.

"It's not too late to get the flu vaccine as long as the influenza virus is circulating. Vaccination helps protect the individual and those around them from severe illness."

She said most people will recover from influenza within three to seven days and the treatment is mostly symptomatic including pain relief and rest.

Common symptoms include cough and/or fever, a sore throat, a running nose, muscle aches, headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Occasionally an individual will also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

If your symptoms do not dissipate, or worsen, please seek medical care.

Others at risk of contracting severe influenza include those with pneumonia and bronchitis. Those at risk for severe illness are encouraged to seek medical care earlier rather than later, as this may prevent hospitalisation or decrease the time spent in hospital.

If you are unwell with flu, please stay home. This is to protect others. If you need to leave the house while ill, consider wearing a face mask to protect others. Also, stay away from people who are at risk of severe influenza.

To date, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has administered 86% of its allocated vaccines across the province, however, there are still many vaccines available for the high-risk individuals who need them.

A breakdown of the percentage of influenza vaccine utilised per district is as follows:

• Cape Town Metro – 79%
• West Coast – 86%
• Garden Route – 94%
• Central Karoo – 95%
• Overberg – 95%
• Cape Winelands – 98%

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