SPONSORED: Winter is upon us and that means it’s time to get your flu shot! Here’s a quick factsheet on flu.
It’s that time of the year again and we’re getting the facts on the flu!
Influenza, commonly referred to as “flu”, is both a seasonal and a pandemic virus. Seasonal influenza infects as many as 1 billion people globally, making it the most common infectious respiratory viruses, after the common cold1.
The flu virus is caused by the influenza A or B virus – and is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces.1a-c.2a,b
Flu is a major cause of infections in the lower airways. There are millions of cases every year and bouts are not serious – however, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and between 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths annually.1
Those at risk of serious complications and hospitalisation include people aged 65 years and older, and children aged 5 years and younger.2b,c
What are the symptoms
Your flu infection can be uncomplicated with less severe symptoms that last for about 3 – 7 days, and could include:
- Coughing2e
- Sore throat and fever2e
- Headache2e
- Feeling weak and tired2e
- Runny or stuffy nose2e
People with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of contracting and developing more severe flu symptoms that may require them to be admitted to hospital – and can include complications like pneumonia and worsening of chronic illnesses.2g,h,j
Getting the flu shot can help you and your family this flu season4.
It’s important to steer clear of misinformation and common myths about the flu shot – such as:
- Flu is not a serious illness3a
- The flu vaccine can give you the flu3b
- Pregnant women cannot get vaccinated3c
Hundreds of people die from flu or flu complications like pneumonia. The flu shot cannot cause active flu infection because it contains non-living flu (influenza) viruses. It is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly and young children.3a-c
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Influenza viruses evolve constantly, and twice a year WHO makes recommendations to update the vaccine compositions4.
Click here For more information, ask your healthcare provider about the flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. World Health Organization (2024) The burden of Influenza (https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-burden-of-influenza). [Accessed 15 April 2024].
2. Blumberg L, Cohen C, Dawood H, et al. Influenza: NICD recommendations for the diagnosis, management, prevention and public health response. Version 1.5 (25 April 2023). Available from: http://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Influenza-guidelines - 25April-2023-final.pdf [Accessed 7 April 2024].
3. Healthlink BC. Influenza (Flu) Immunization: Myths and Facts. September 2022. Available from: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/influenza-flu-immunization-myths-and-facts [Accessed date 7 April 2024].
4. World Health Organization (2020) How can I avoid getting the flu? (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/how-can-i-avoid-getting-the-flu#) [Accessed 15 April 2024].
