Page 23 - Waterfall City April Issue 2023

“Many studies have been conducted, “It is unpredictable when a flu outbreak “Women who are planning a pregnancy,
and scientists have not found a link will start, so it is worthwhile to have as well as those who are currently
between vaccines and autism. However, an annual influenza vaccine early, pregnant, should take precautions, which
the risk of your child or a loved one well before winter. Most years, the flu include vaccination. Flu symptoms can
becoming seriously ill from influenza is, vaccine becomes available in mid- get worse quickly when you are pregnant
unfortunately, a real concern,” she says. March, so keep in touch with your and can be dangerous for you and baby,”
local Netcare Medicross for availability. Dr Zeijlemaker advises.
There are different forms of flu caused Remember, it generally takes two
by viruses, including the commonly weeks for the vaccine to become “Healthcare workers and people who
known H1N1 (also called swine flu) effective because it takes the body care for or live with people who may be
and the bird flu (also known as avian about two weeks to make antibodies, at higher risk should also be vaccinated
flu). According to the WHO’s Global which destroy the virus when you are to help prevent passing the flu to
Influenza Programme, in 2021/2022 exposed to it. It is, therefore, advisable people whose bodies may not be as
South Africa experienced its worst to be vaccinated early,” she says. well equipped to fight off infection,”
flu outbreak since the start of the she says.
COVID-19 pandemic. “It is especially recommended that
pregnant women, people over the age “Together, we can make a difference
“Every year, the influenza virus ‘mutates’ of 50, children with asthma, and people to this year’s flu season. In addition to
or changes – therefore, you will need with chronic heart or lung conditions, being vaccinated, there are things you
a new vaccine every year to remain HIV, diabetes or kidney disease are can do to help. For example, washing
protected. The strains of flu included vaccinated against influenza, as they your hands regularly, avoiding contact
in each year’s vaccine are decided are often at higher risk.” with sick people and staying at home
according to scientific predictions. when sick to prevent infecting others
Although the flu shot is more effective Visit your local Netcare Medicross will reduce this health burden for all.”
in some years than others, it helps Medical and Dental Centre for your
us avoid getting sick with the flu in family’s influenza vaccinations or To book an appointment to get
most cases. It also helps to prevent consult a general practitioner about vaccinated, contact Netcare Medicross
more serious illness and flu outbreaks,” your personal risk factors for seasonal Carlswald on 011 318 0634 or
Dr Zeijlemaker says. flu. 011 318 8934.

Waterfall City Issue 4 2023 21