Media Statement from the Independent Community Pharmacy Association of South Africa (ICPA): Flu Season – Winter is HERE – and it’s brought a friend along… Influenza!
Flu Season – Winter is HERE – and it’s brought a friend along… Influenza!
Winter is here, and the flu season is upon us! If you’ve been out and about, chances are you’ve seen the usual flu symptoms going around and it might seem like it is just a matter of time before you get the flu – thankfully, there is a solution!
The flu shot is a preventative measure that can help you avoid the flu or from experiencing severe symptoms. ICPA pharmacies across South Africa offer the flu vaccination, also known as the flu shot, every year. To find a community pharmacy near you, click on the link or scan the QR code below.
What is flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications and even death.
Why you should consider a flu shot
The first and most important thing to understand is that having the flu is not the same as having a cold, so they need to be treated differently. Flu affects the nose, throat and lungs and can lead to pneumonia or even respiratory failure and death. It also causes muscle aches and weakness often with a high fever. It’s a very serious illness which may be prevented through vaccination.
The immunity conferred by the flu vaccination lasts all season, and the sooner you get your flu shot the better. The longer you wait, the greater the chances of contracting the flu.
The flu shot is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications, and for people who live with or care for high-risk individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual vaccination specifically for:
- Pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy
- Children aged six months to five years
- Elderly individuals (+65 years of age)
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions
- Healthcare workers.
Why it is important to get a yearly flu shot:
If you were vaccinated last year, it’s essential to get vaccinated again, because the strains of flu that circulate differ every year, leaving you at risk all over again.
Boosting your immune system:
A strong immune system is a vital preventative measure against viruses. Getting the flu shot is one of the most effective ways to boost your immunity and protect your family against infection. Other factors to consider during the flu season to boost your immune system include:
- Healthy diet – think “in season” fruits packed with Vitamin C
- Exercise for at least 30 min daily
- Immune boosters and vitamins
- Good sleep routine
- Good hygiene safety practices such as regular hand washing or sanitization
- No smoking
Jackie Maimin, CEO of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) explains, “although the flu shot does not guarantee total protection against the flu, people who are vaccinated are less likely to get sick with flu than someone who has not been vaccinated.”
“Ensure you practice good hygiene too: Wash or sanitise your hands often, keep your mouth and nose covered when you cough or sneeze, and avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth as this spreads germs,” says Maimin.
Pharmacies stocks a range of winter essentials, like vitamin C and immune boosters. Ensure that you stock up on throat lozenges, painkillers, nasal sprays and other cold and flu self-medicating products. We’ll make sure you’re prepared to tackle illness head-on if and when it arises.
Will the flu shot infect you with the flu?
We’ve all heard the myth that the flu shot can give you the flu. This is not true. The virus contained in the flu shot is inactivated and cannot cause infection. After the shot, you may experience some mild flu-like symptoms, but this is just your body’s way of creating antibodies to fight off any future, more serious infection.
Get Vaccinated at a Community Pharmacy near you
The good news is that most medical aids now cover the flu vaccination and sometimes even reward members. Contact your medical aid scheme for eligibility.
Take note that the following people should not be vaccinated:
- Babies younger than 6 months
- Anyone allergic to eggs
- Anyone who already has a fever (the vaccination should be delayed until you are better)
- Anyone who has shown a serious allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past
About ICPA
ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) is an organization which provides independent community pharmacies with a collective strength and a coherent voice that is heard by government, medical schemes, pharmaceutical suppliers and importantly, the consumer.
ICPA represents one of the largest pools of professionals in the healthcare sector with over 1 200 pharmacies, about 3 500 pharmacists and 20 000 supportive healthcare personnel spread across metropolitan, urban and rural South Africa.
The objective of ICPA is to assist and support its members in securing a sustainable and successful future as independent, owner-managed pharmacies.
In addition to this, the ICPA strives to foster an understanding of the role that independent pharmacies can (and do) play in delivering important healthcare services to the communities that they serve. All ICPA members are committed to high-quality pharmacist care and to the restoration and maintenance of the health and well-being of the consumer – the lifeblood of all pharmacies.
