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Keep flu out in the cold this winter

Keep flu out in the cold this winter

You can significantly reduce your chances of getting the flu by taking some simple precautions.
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As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, a familiar visitor approaches: flu season. Each year, more than 10 million South Africans get sick with flu. Although most people recover from the flu without complications, it is still an unpleasant experience that can leave you feeling achy, feverish, and exhausted.

 Flu facts
icons-for-flu-facts_page_1  Origin of the name

Flu is short for influenza, derived from the Italian, meaning “influence”. This originated from the belief that celestial bodies influence human health and disease.
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History

The 20th century witnessed four major flu epidemics: the Spanish Flu (most devastating), Asian Flu (1 to 4 million deaths), Hong Kong Flu (1 million deaths), and Swine Flu (over 12 000 deaths). Scientists estimate flu pandemics occur every two to three centuries.
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Resilient viruses

Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours and on tissues/cloth for 12 hours. They can remain infectious for up to a week at room temperature and survive freezing conditions for extended periods of time.
 icons-for-flu-facts_page_2 Can be deadly

The flu claims more lives than diseases like Ebola, with an estimated 250 000 to 500 000 deaths worldwide annually. 
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Constantly mutating

The flu virus is constantly mutating. Viruses mutate more in one day than humans have in several million years. They mutate so quickly due to their rapid rate of reproduction, their inability to fix their mutations, and their ability to exchange genes with one another.

The good news? You can significantly reduce your chances of getting the flu by taking some simple precautions.

1. Avoid close contact

The flu is highly contagious. Since individuals can be contagious a day before symptoms appear, it is best to maintain a bit more personal space during the colder months to stay healthy.

2. Practice self-care

By getting quality sleep, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated, you are boosting your immune system, which helps keep you healthy.

3. Breathe in some fresh air

Clean air goes a long way when it comes to stopping the spread of the flu virus. Get some ventilation going and let the virus blow out the door.

4. Stock up on essentials

Taking supplements is an excellent way to help build your immune system. Build your immune system with vitamins C and D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. 

5. Get yourself vaccinated

Getting the flu shot is the most effective weapon in your flu-fighting arsenal.  While some may have their doubts, the vaccination success rate ranged between 64% and 89% in the 2023 flu season. 

 Common myths and facts about the flu vaccine
 Myth  Fact
The flu shot gives you flu. The vaccine contains inactive viruses that cannot cause the flu. Mild side effects like soreness at the injection site are possible but are much less severe than the actual flu.
I'm healthy, so I don't need the flu shot. Everyone, even healthy adults and children, can get the flu. Vaccination protects not only yourself but also those around you, especially vulnerable individuals like those with pre-existing conditions, young children, and the elderly.
I got the flu shot and still got sick, so it does not work. The flu vaccine offers significant protection, but not a guaranteed shield. It might not cover all circulating flu strains, and it takes about two weeks for your body to build immunity after vaccination. However, even if you do get the flu after getting the shot, it is likely to be milder than if you were not vaccinated.
Pregnant women should not get the flu shot. Pregnant women are more susceptible to flu complications. The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. Getting vaccinated protects both the mother and the baby.
I only need to get the flu shot once. The flu virus mutates frequently. Each year's vaccine targets the strains expected to be most common during flu season. So, annual vaccination is key to staying protected.

 

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) issues their recommendation for a flu vaccine for South Africans. These recommendations are based on more than 600 000 clinical specimens tested yearly. They reflect the flu strains observed during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Medihelp believes so strongly in the value of the flu vaccine that we include it in all our benefit options. With Medihelp’s added insured benefits, every family member can get one flu shot from any participating network pharmacy clinic in the country. Members' vaccines and the administering fee at network pharmacies will be paid in full, while the administering fee from any other pharmacy or healthcare provider will be paid from their available day-to-day benefits.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7308a3.htm#:~:text=VE%20against%20influenza%20B%20ranged,medically%20attended%20influenza%20virus%20infection.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

https://news.emory.edu/stories/2024/01/er_tips_for_flu_season_29-01-2024/story.html

https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/winter-ailments/fascinating-flu-facts/

https://www.lung.org/blog/myths-and-facts-about-the-flu-shot