Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system and is caused by a virus. With the influenza season on the horizon, it is time to think about protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the flu. One of the best ways to do this is by getting the flu vaccine.
Benefits of the flu vaccine
- Precautionary: the flu vaccine will not eliminate the risk of developing the flu entirely, but it will reduce the risk of developing a severe infection and requiring hospitalisation.
- Protection: it helps stop the flu from spreading to members of your community, particularly those who might be more susceptible to life-threatening complications.
Get your flu vaccination from a general practitioner, certain pharmacies or community clinics, or at your employer if they have arranged with a provider to administer flu vaccinations at your workplace.
Always check with your medical scheme before getting vaccinated. Some medical schemes will pay for the entire flu vaccine cost, while others might only cover part of the cost, and you might have to pay a portion yourself.
Who should or should not get the flu vaccine
Everyone should consider vaccination, especially high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, age groups 65 and older, people with cardiovascular disease, chronic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic renal disease and chronic or any lung disease, pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS.
You should not get the flu vaccine if, you are allergic to eggs or egg proteins, infants under 6 months of age, if you’ve had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past and if you are already suffering from flu symptoms.
Most common or possible side effects
- Mild pain
- Redness and/or swelling of the skin at the site of injection
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fever
Important notes
- Consult your general practitioner if you are unsure about getting the flu vaccine.
- Consent is required from a parent, guardian or caregiver for the vaccination of children.
- The flu vaccination is updated yearly to protect you against the most recent strains of the flu virus.
- Don’t wait until the flu season is fully underway, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- The flu vaccination takes around two weeks to take full effect.
Health Connect 3/2025
Click here to read our previous issue on the importance of taking health screening tests.