Winter is lurking around the corner meaning the end of sunny skies and the beginning of chilly mornings. But although the weather may be gloomy, this season there is no need to be bedridden for days fighting against the ‘flu - you can now reduce your chance of contracting seasonal influenza by being vaccinated against it.
In the interest of your health this winter GEMS would like to inform their members and prospective members about the influenza vaccine and how this medical breakthrough can help you ease through this 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 influenza in circulation.
Who should be inoculated?
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:
o 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.
o Adults and children over six months old with a chronic health condition (eg diabetes, respiratory disorder) or with a weakened immune system (eg HIV/AIDS.
o Everyone aged 65 and older (whether they have a chronic health condition or not).
o Residents of long-term care facilities.
o Caregivers of babies and young children.
o Children on long-term aspirin therapy.
o Anyone who is likely to come into regular, close contact with people in these high-risk categories.
o People who have one or more medical condition that places them at increased risk for serious ‘flu complications.
Who should not be inoculated?
There are, however, certain persons who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician and they include anyone who has:
o A severe allergy to chicken eggs.
o Had an extreme reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
o 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 can occur a day or two after inoculation. 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 but any severe problems, such as an extreme allergic reaction, should be treated promptly.
Keep in mind that it takes two to three weeks after the vaccination to build up an immunity. This immunity will then typically last anything from six to nine months. 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 offrespiratory 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 - should pass within more or less seven days. By contrast, a dose of ‘flu will result in debilitating fever, muscle ache, sore throat, headache and nasal discharge and can take up to 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.
Make sure you drink plenty of liquids, take a good vitamin B complex and regular doses of vitamin C to help recovery, and give yourself time to get over the lengthy period of weakness which follows a bout of ‘flu. And be sure to pay a visit to your doctor for the necessary treatment.
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 simple prick. "Get vaccinated now before it is too late," cautious GEMS, South Africa's second largest medical scheme. "Then you can enjoy chicken soup in front of the fire place rather than in bed."
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.
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