JOHANNESBURG - The Southern Hemisphere’s flu season has started earlier than usual this year.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases is urging the public, especially those with underlying risk conditions, to get a flu vaccine.
"The flu season has already started, and it's only autumn," said Professor Cheryl Cohen, NICD Head of the Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis Centre.
"Typically, we would see the flu season coming in in winter. Normally, it might start in May or June. So, it's early for us to see the flu, but it's not something that's never happened before."
Cohen said last year the flu season also started around this time.
"The one thing we can say about flu is that of all the viruses that we know, it's one of the most unpredictable.
"Certainly, it's not possible to predict when the season will start. And sometimes it starts earlier, sometimes it starts later," Cohen said.
"It is important for people to know that this year the flu season has started early because it really means that now is the time to go out and get your vaccine and protect yourself."
Members of the public who fall into groups at high risk for severe influenza are urged to get their vaccines as soon as possible.
High-risk groups include pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, and obesity, older individuals above 65, and children under two years old (flu vaccine can only be given to children from 6 months of age).
To reduce the spread of flu and RSV in your community, remember to:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell