Swine Flu has many in bed in eMalahleni
Look after yourself, Swine Flu has taken hold of eMalahleni.
Doctors' rooms are full, and pharmacists are running around trying to fill everyone's prescriptions.
More than 10 years after the 2009 pandemic, Swine Flu, officially called Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, continues to appear in South Africa during the cold, dry winter months.
Though many people now think of it as just another seasonal illness, health experts warn that it can still be serious, especially for those at higher risk.
Professor Cheryl Cohen, a South African expert in respiratory viruses, explained, 'Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is one of the three main types of seasonal flu. Even though it originally came from pigs, the version we see today spreads easily from one person to another and is fully adapted to humans.'
Since the 2009 outbreak, H1N1 has become a regular part of the flu season. The symptoms are like a strong cold: fever, chills, body aches, tiredness, and a dry cough. But in some people, the illness can quickly get worse.
'It can cause serious problems like pneumonia,' said Cohen. 'Most people get better, but people with other health problems or weak immune systems are much more likely to end up in hospital or worse.'
People most at risk include the elderly, young children, those with heart or lung diseases, and individuals with compromised immune systems, especially people living with HIV/AIDS. In communities where access to healthcare is limited, the virus can become life-threatening.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) urges people, especially those in high-risk groups, to get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine, which includes protection against H1N1, is available at public health clinics and private pharmacies across the country. It is free for children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions at government clinics.
Simple preventive measures can make a big difference: Get vaccinated every year. Wash your hands regularly. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Stay home if you are unwell. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Local resident Renate Viljoen, who is currently recovering from the flu, said, 'It started with body aches and a fever, and I thought it was nothing. But by the next day, I could hardly get out of bed. People must not wait; go to the clinic early.'
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