Influeza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus (influenza A or influenza B). The flu virus is spread by tiny droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are close by. You can also catch flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.The symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe, with the highest impact on those who are vulnerable, such as: the very young, very old, pregnant women, HIV positive, chronically ill, or patients undergoing treatments that reduce the body’s ability to fight infection (cancer patients, etc.). Influenza can lead to pneumonia and death, especially in the high-risk/vulnerable population.
Flu and a Cold
When I first moved to Botswana in 2012, I found everyone used the term ‘flu’ to describe a cold or stomach virus. I was forever perplexed that so many people knowingly ‘had the flu’ but were out and about. After some time, realized that ‘I have flu’ is the same phrase as ‘I have a cold’. Or it could mean ‘I have the stomach bug’.
Influenza season usually begins sometime between the end of April to the beginning of July in southern Africa.
Signs and Symptoms
Unlike a cold virus, the signs and symptoms of the flu include many if not all of the following at once:
Very high temperature (usually 39-40.5 degrees Celsius). And a very sudden onset with extreme tiredness, body aches, cough, runny nose, headache, and sometimes sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea
Treatment
Anti-viral medications are available to lessen the extent of symptoms. They must be given within the first 48 hours of illness to be effective. When there are shortages of the anti-virals, they are usually reserved for the most vulnerable patients. So, your best ‘treatment’ is prevention.
Prevention
The flu vaccination is available from March-April every year in Botswana/South Africa. I urge you to protect the people you love by getting vaccinated. For example, if your baby is too young to get the influenza vaccine (less than 6 months old), then everyone in the home should be vaccinated. This will help protect your baby. The same goes for those caring for the elderly or other vulnerable patients.
Additionally, all healthcare workers should receive the vaccine. This will help to prevent exposing vulnerable patients to the symptoms during the contagious period.
It takes about 2 weeks for the body to build immunity (make protective antibodies) to the influenza virus. So the earlier you can get it, the better protected you will be. The reason it takes so long to become effective in protecting against the flu virus is because the immunization does not contain any live portion of the virus. So unlike the myth there is no chance that you can ‘get the flu from the vaccine’ as the strains of virus are dead.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. However sick people can limit the spread by covering their noses and mouths when sneezing/coughing. Then promptly washing or using hand sanitizer. All of us should be washing our hands frequently with soap and water.
Smart Parent Tip: sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star TWICE to be sure you are washing long enough. Also wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant when you can.
Smart Parent Tip: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you and use it to wipe surfaces. Available near the soap in the grocery stores (Dettol) or at Clicks.
Vaccination for Kids
After working in a paediatric clinic and giving more than my fair share of vaccinations, here are some tips to make the process go smoothly with little ones who may be fearful.
Smart Parent Tip: Bring their favorite toy/lovey, bring your own character plasters (we brought Mickey Mouse). Also bring a reward such as a lollipop or stickers. Don’t forget the proper hold during the vaccine and talk about their favorite things to distract them from the sting of the injection. Don’t forget to praise their bravery!
Where to find flu vaccinations? Pharmacies, private clinics (paediatric clinics/general practitioners), or hospitals. Taola Paediatrics currently has.
Stock Up
Travel packets of tissues, hand sanitizer, soap, & healthy fruits /vegetables rich in vitamin C – citrus, cabbage, tomatoes, greens/spinach.
I hope this article helps you and your family stay healthy during this coming influenza season! Leave a comment and let us know where you have found the vaccine so far this year!
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is currently a stay-at-home mom of two girls.She enjoys sharing information tidbits that she refers to as “resourceful rubies” with others to make life easier. Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, trying new recipes, making others laugh, and volunteering in her church and community.She is passionate about adoption and raising awareness for children’s cancer and blood disorders.
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