Flu season is upon us, and it is time for your annual flu vaccine. Yes, annual; every year. Eliminate the guesswork and rather have peace of mind that you and your family are all protected. The flu is unpredictable, yet preventable.
Types of flu
There are three main types; A-, B- and C-strains. A-types are the most severe, and include among others, the N1H1, also known as, the swine flu virus. C-types are mild and are similar to the common cold.
This year’s vaccine covers four strains
There are usually two vaccines available, namely the trivalent (three-strain) and quadrivalent (four-strain) vaccines. The three-strain contains two A-types and one B-type, and the four-strain contains two strains of both A and B.
This year, only the quadrivalent vaccine will be available.
No, the vaccine cannot give you the flu
- Inactivated flu viruses are used to create the vaccines. There are cases where people get the flu even if they have gotten their shot, but some factors that needs to be taken into consideration
- You may have been exposed to the flu right before or after you got the shot, therefore it did not have time to work yet
- You may have gotten a strain that is not common and therefore not covered in the vaccine
Why you need a shot every year
Vaccines are modified each year, as the strains mutate. Each year, a prediction is made of which strains will most likely be doing the rounds, and those are the strains that will be included in the flu vaccine.
It is also very possible to contract the flu, pneumonia and the corona virus at the same time. This will likely result in a need for critical care. It will also increase the risk of transmitting three diseases at the same time to another person, for as long as you are contagious.
The symptoms of influenza and Covid-19 are very similar. The vaccine has a two-week ‘incubation’ period. This means that you are still vulnerable to catch the flu, until your body has created antibodies. Your healthcare practitioner will be more motivated to have you tested for COVID-19, if they know you are vaccinated for the flu and have passed the two-week mark.
During pregnancy
It is highly recommended that you get your flu shot, especially if you are pregnant. Flu can be very dangerous for you and your unborn baby, and could be detrimental to your baby in the few months after birth.
Getting your flu shot will give you a much-needed boost and provide antibodies for your child invitro and in the few months after birth.
Children
The vaccines are safe for children and babies, from the age of six months. The four-strain vaccine is only recommended from three years and older.
People who are predisposed to medical complications whilst they have the flu
- Pregnant women
- Infants younger than two
- The elderly
- Healthcare workers
- Morbidly obese / underweight persons
- Those with pre-existing medical conditions
The time is now
It is recommended that you get the vaccine in March or April. You are still at risk even after you have had the flu. This is because there are numerous strains and you have no guarantee that you won’t get sick again, with another strain.
Where to get it
- The four-strain flu vaccines will be available at the Mopani Wellness clinics as of 29 March 2021
- We can come to you. If your retirement village / place of work is interested in on-site vaccination, let us know
To remember
- A once off vaccine once a year may save you a trip to the doctor, medicine costs and even hospitalisation fees
- The bigger the vaccinated population, the better the herd-immunity
We can deliver your medication, supplements, cosmetics, fragrances and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide. Contact us for info: mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 0137555500 | WhatsApp: 0661921703
