As colder weather sets in, so does many seasonal illnesses and viruses such as the influenza virus, most commonly known as the flu. The majority of us will catch the flu between the last week of April until the first week of July, this is our typical flu season.
Beat the bug
The flu virus is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system: your nose, throat and lungs.
One of the best ways to help prevent getting sick this winter is to make sure your immune system is as strong as possible. The best way to maintain good health is to make sure you follow a healthy diet, practice good personal hygiene and get a flu vaccination to help safeguard you against the latest virus strain.
The annual influenza vaccination drive targets high risk individuals such as:
If you suffer from any one of the diseases listed below, you can access the flu vaccine at your nearest local clinic for free or private healthcare providers, such as pharmacies and private practitioners at a fee.
Frequently asked questions
You’re most likely to catch the flu virus if you’re in close contact with someone who’s infected. The flu virus mainly spreads through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are close by. You can also catch the flu by touching a surface or an object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
Getting your flu vaccination
The Western Cape Government Department of Health received a total of 86 000 vaccines for the province with an additional 7 200 vaccines as part of the Maternal Influenza Vaccination study which is available at specific sites including antenatal clinics and midwife obstetric units in the Cape Town Metropolitan district.