Pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and those over the age of 65 should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves from possible complications of the virus, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said today.
“Ideally, those in the risk group should have been vaccinated since the vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to be effective and the influenza season is well underway,” the institute said.
“However, the vaccine should still be considered for persons at risks for complications of influenza,” it said.
The virus could cause severe complications in those with low immune systems and pregnant women. Also at risk were the elderly and people with chronic lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.
The NICD said it had received reports of flu since the first week in May, but had seen a sharp rise in cases in the past week.
The “unusually” early start to the flu season did not necessarily mean it would be a severe season, the NICD said.
People with a sudden onset of fever, dry coughs, muscle pain, cold shivers and sweats were advised to consult a doctor immediately.
“Treatment with an effective antiviral drug should be started as early as possible for those in the risk group even with mild influenza-like illness, but also in any person whose condition worsens.”
The flu vaccine was available at pharmacies and clinics. – Sapa