LIFESTYLE NEWS - The Western Cape Health Department has received 100 000 doses of influenza vaccines to be distributed to all public facilities around the province.
The influenza season is in its beginning stage. In South Africa it is usually between the last week of April and the first week of July. The department is providing vaccinations to mitigate the effect of influenza. Vaccines will be available during this flu season and the department will ensure they are used in accordance with the national campaign.
The Department's Influenza Vaccination Programme targets high risk individuals, such as adults and/or children with underlying medical conditions, including chronic pulmonary disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurological and haematological disorders, metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), morbid obesity, immuno-suppression (including HIV-infected persons with CD4 counts more than 100/mm3).
Also at risk are pregnant women (all stages of pregnancy), children aged six months to under five years (59 months), residents of old-age (nursing) homes and residents of other chronic care or rehabilitation centres, children aged six months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy, and all persons aged 65 years and older.
The Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, encourages high risk individuals and vulnerable groups to access these vaccines at the local health facility. "Part of our vision for Healthcare 2030 is to increase wellness and this vaccination campaign forms part of our strategy to boost people's immune systems, so that their bodies are less vulnerable to disease.
By receiving these vaccines these individuals are healthy and strong and able to go to work every day and live the life they value. 'Flu' vaccinations are only steps on that road, but building blocks towards a healthier society. So, make use of this opportunity that our health services offer so that we can be better together," Minister Mbombo says.
As usual, surveillance programmes run by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) have detected sporadic cases of influenza. In the first nine weeks of 2016, 39 specimens have been received from Viral Watch sites, of which three yielded evidence of influenza.
The influenza vaccine could be accessed at public health clinics and private healthcare providers, such as pharmacies and private practitioners.
How does one get flu?
The flu virus is spread mainly by droplets spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are close by. You can also catch flu by touching a surface or an object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
• Sudden onset of fever
• Acute upper respiratory symptoms: dry cough, sore throat.
• General symptoms: malaise, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and body aches, cold shivers and hot sweats.
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Who is at risk of developing complications?
• Pregnant women, and including the two-week period after delivery
• Young children (under two years old)
• Elderly people (more than 65 years of age)
• People with existing chronic diseases (heart, lung, kidney, endocrine), for example diabetes or asthma, persons who are immunosuppressed
• Morbidly obese people (BMI of 40 or BMI of 35 with obesity-related health conditions).
• People under 18 years of age receiving chronic aspirin therapy
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
