Ten tips about flu and the flu vaccine
The seasons are changing and winter is well on its way - so is the start of the ‘ flu season ’. We chat to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa , Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund on why a flu vaccine is recommended . Not just by Bonitas but also the World Health Organization ( WHO ).
1 . Why should I get a flu vaccine ? Although the flu vaccine will not eliminate your risk of developing flu , it helps reduce your chances of severe infection . Annually , flu kills around 11 500 people in South Africa , which is why the flu vaccines is a good precautionary measure to take .
2 . How are Covid-19 and flu viruses similar ? WHO says that Covid-19 and influenza viruses are similar in disease presentation . Firstly , they both cause respiratory disease , which presents a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death . Secondly , both viruses are transmitted by contact , droplets and any material that can carry infection . As a result , the same public health measures such as hand hygiene and social distancing is recommended .
3 . What are the essential differences between Covid-19 and flu ? Flu is an acute viral respiratory infection , transmitted by the influenza virus . There are three types of influenza , namely Influenza A , B and C . Covid-19 and influenza are essentially different viruses with SARS-CoV-2 being a newly discovered coronavirus that causes Covid-19 .
4 . Why do I need a flu shot every year ? The flu virus changes every year , this means last year ’ s vaccine will not keep you safe this year . The vaccine helps your immune system fight off the virus by producing antibodies – the soldiers in your body that battle the flu virus .
5 . What vaccines have been developed for 2022 ? The flu vaccines available for this year are : The Vaxigrip Tetra , Influvac and Influvac Tetra .
6 . Can I get the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine together ? The answer is yes . However , it is recommended that if you decide to have both vaccines at the same time , then one should be on the left arm and the other on the right .
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2022