Avoid getting the flu this winter - get your vaccination now

Winter is just around the corner, which spells the beginning of chilly mornings and bitterly cold nights, and, inevitably, influenza season. Even though the weather may be icy cold, there is no reason to be bedridden for days on end fighting off a nasty bout of the flu. Fortunately, there is a simple way to reduce your chances of falling ill with seasonal flu as an effective vaccine is available.

In the interest of your health, GEMS would like to encourage members and prospective members to get vaccinated against influenza this winter. Read on to see how one of our oldest medical breakthroughs can help protect you against the dreaded flu this coming winter.

How does the vaccine work?
Made of a chemically inactivated virus, the vaccine enables the body to learn and store the "shape" of the flu virus so that when the real thing appears, the immune system is already armed to fight it.  However, the degree of protection it offers will depend on a variety of factors such as a patient's age, state of health and the closeness of the "match" between the vaccine and the specific strains of the influenza virus in circulation.

Who should have the flu vaccine?
While the vaccination is an option for every member of the public - with the exception of babies under six months old - there are certain sectors of the population who are more likely to develop serious complications if they contract flu. It is therefore strongly recommended that people who fall in the following categories have the flu shot:

• Women who would be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season. Pregnant women with medical conditions that place them at risk for influenza complications should be immunised at any stage of pregnancy.
• Adults and children over six months old with a chronic health condition (e.g. diabetes, respiratory disorder) or with a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV/AIDS.
• Everyone aged 65 and older (whether they have a chronic health condition or not).
• Residents of long-term care facilities.
• Caregivers of babies and young children.
• Children on long-term aspirin therapy.
• Anyone who is likely to come into regular, close contact with people in these high-risk categories.
• People who have one or more medical condition that places them at increased risk for serious flu complications.

Who should not have the flu vaccine?
There are, however, certain categories of people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician and they include anyone who has:

• A severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• Had an extreme reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
• Developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) or another complication within six weeks of a previous influenza vaccination.

Anyone with a fever - as a result of a severe, or even moderate illness - should wait until their symptoms lessen before they are vaccinated.

Symptoms and side effects
Certain minor side effects may occur a day or two after receiving the flu vaccination. These typically include mild inflammation at the site of the injection, a low-grade fever, runny nose, vomiting; headache and general body aches.  The good news is that these usually pass quickly, however any severe problems, such as an extreme allergic reaction, should be treated immediately.

Keep in mind that it takes two to three weeks after the vaccination to build up immunity. It is therefore recommended that you have the shot in the beginning of May in order to be protected throughout the South African flu season, which peaks between May and September.

The difference between influenza and a cold
It is important to note that, unfortunately, the vaccination against seasonal flu does not ward off respiratory tract infections and common colds, which strike so many of us in winter. Both colds and flu are viral infections but they differ in severity. If you ever had a proper flu attack, you will know the difference!

A cold will give you a runny nose and stuffy head and - unless respiratory complications develop - the main symptoms should pass within seven days.  By contrast, a dose of flu will result in debilitating fever, muscle ache, sore throat, headache and nasal discharge, and it can take at least two weeks before you feel completely healthy again. 

The danger with flu is that it exposes you to respiratory disease. It is therefore of the utmost importance to visit a doctor before a secondary infection sets in and develops into full-blown pneumonia.  Signs to watch out for are high fever or phlegm turning green - either of which may well indicate the need for an antibiotic to fight the infection.

What should I do if I have flu?
Stay under the covers and rest. Also remember that you should discontinue all exercise because it can result in damage to the heart muscles. Consult your family practitioner, describing all your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and if he or she prescribes an antibiotic for secondary infection, ensure that you complete the course.

Make sure you drink plenty of liquids, take a good vitamin B complex and regular doses of vitamin C and zinc to help recovery, and take time to get over the lengthy period of weakness that often follows a bout of flu.

If you have never been brave enough to face a needle and get vaccinated against the flu, just think of all the pain and suffering you can avoid this winter by one small, simple injection.

If you would like to know more about colds, ‘flu and the ‘flu vaccination you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your health and wellbeing.