Yes. No-one has a “bit of ‘flu”. A bit of ‘flu is a cold. ‘Flu is horrible – headache, high fevers, body aches to the point where some children can’t walk. As I write this we’re in the midst of a major influenza A outbreak with children (and their parents and grandparents) being hospitalized left, right and centre. Some kids have been so sick they’ve had convulsions. It’s bad, and that’s why I’m writing this and talking to everyone about the ‘flu vaccine.

Every year 10 000 to 12 000 people die of ‘flu in South Africa, and 40 000 are hospitalized. Groups hardest hit are the elderly, babies under 6 months, pregnant women and people with chronic illness and weak immunity.

DOES THE ‘FLU VACCINE REALLY WORK?

Yes. No vaccine is 100% effective – remember that each year’s vaccine is based on the main 4 strains of ‘flu virus from the northern hemisphere’s ‘flu season, so it will protect against most but not all infections. In numbers this means a 75% reduced risk in all ‘flu infections, and 60% less chance of being admitted to hospital with ‘flu. But most importantly you have 89% less chance of needing intensive care or dying of ‘flu.

IS THE ‘FLU VACCINE SAFE?

Yes it is. Like any vaccine there are side affects. Some pain and redness at the injection site is very common, and about 5% of people fell a bit unwell with some muscle aches and a low grade temperature for a day afterwards. The chance of a severe reaction needing medical care is about 1 in 1.5 million vaccinations for all vaccines.

CAN YOU GET ‘FLU FROM THE ‘FLU VACCINE?

No you can’t. Both ‘flu vaccines available in South Africa contain ‘flu virus which is split into bits that will result in immunity to the 4 strains, but can’t cause infection. Remember that you can still get other ‘flu like illnesses caused after the vaccine, and the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so it’s possible the you can get ‘flu even if you’re vaccinated. But the vaccine can’t cause ‘flu. On a positive note, the ‘flu vaccine does seem to partially protect you against other winter viral illnesses too.

CAN YOU HAVE THE ‘FLU VACCINE IF YOU’RE PREGNANT?

Absolutely! We know that pregnant women are at greater risk for bad influenza and complications for both themselves and the pregnancy (miscarriage, premature labour, poor growth of the fetus). We also know that babies under 6 months of age are at risk for bad ‘flu and hospital admission, even death – about 190 babies die of ‘flu every year in South Africa. Having the ‘flu vaccine 2 weeks or more before delivery means that your antibodies will cross the placenta and protect the baby for the first 6 months of life, reducing the risk of hospital admission for ‘flu by 70%. For all these reasons the ‘flu vaccine is recommended in most of the developed world for all pregnant women. The timing is when you would normally have the ‘flu vaccine, so anytime after it becomes available in late April.

FROM WHAT AGE CAN A CHILD GET THE ‘FLU VACCINE?

Any child over 6 months can get the vaccine. Children between 6 months and 3 years get a half dose, and if it’s the first time they’re getting the vaccine, a repeat dose after a month is a good idea.

WHERE?

Any pharmacy or private clinic that does vaccinations. Some GP’s also vaccinate.

WHAT?

The available products in South Africa are Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra. Both are fine.

HOW MUCH?

Present prices (June 2024) are R170 for Vaxigrip and R105 for Influvac.

So ‘flu is a bad illness. The ‘flu vaccine works. It’s safe and not very expensive. I recommend that all families get into the habit of getting the ‘flu vaccine at the start of every winter. You’ll spend less time in doctors’ rooms and may prevent what may turn into a very serious infection.

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