In an unusual turn of events, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing an early onset of the flu season, prompting the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to issue a urgent appeal for vaccinations. Professor Cheryl Cohen, the Head of the Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis Centre at NICD, highlighted the early start of the flu season during the autumn months. “The flu season has already started, and it’s only autumn, “Cohen. “.
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.”.
Professor Cohen also noted that last year, the flu season began around the same time, emphasizing the unpredictability of the virus. “Certainly, it’s not possible to predict when the season will start. And sometimes it starts earlier, sometimes it starts later, “she explained.
The NICD is now urging the public, particularly those with underlying risk conditions, to take immediate action to get vaccinated. “This year the flu season has started early, which really means that now is the time to go out and get your vaccine and protect yourself, “Cohen emphasized.
High — risk groups, including 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), are being specifically targeted for vaccination. The NICD is also advising the public on measures to reduce the spread of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in their communities.
Source: enca
