Influenza causes up to 650 000 deaths worldwide and more than 11 000 deaths in South Africa each year.
There are four main viruses, including two types of Influenza A, and two types of influenza B. These viruses evolve annually in an unpredictable manner, making it difficult to determine how severely they’ll affect us when flu season arrives. Severe illness due to flu affects around three to five million people globally, including approximately 45 000 South Africans, annually. Almost half of severely affected South Africans require hospitalisation.
Flu viruses circulate worldwide at different times of the year, with South Africa’s seasonal influenza usually occurring between May and September. The viruses can be particularly risky for people with chronic diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), diabetes and other metabolic disorders, as well as cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, neurological, haemoglobin and immunosuppressive disorders. Infants younger than two, elderly people over 65, and pregnant women are also at higher risk of developing severe and complicated influenza.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Beat The Disease To Please
Is saying ‘yes’ is a habit that’s leaving your own needs constantly overlooked, as you put everyone else’s needs before yours? How can you break the cycle of people- pleasing and put yourself first?
Quaran-Teens Help Them Manage Their Mental Health
Teens climbing the walls during covid-19? Restlessness isn’t the only thing to be concerned about, writes daniella renzon, community service clinical psychologist
Know Your Headache Migraine, Tension Or Cluster?
It’s common for people to refer to any splitting headache as a migraine, but this might not always be the case
Going Through A Friendship Crisis?
Is your waning social life affecting your marriage?
Life Post-Lockdown
Pandemic panic, brain fog and ocd… as you get back to life un-usual, psychologist marise swart shares some advice on some common issues that may affect your mental health
How To... Make Gluten-Free Flours
Prepare these gluten-free flours to replace cake flour or self-raising flour in your favourite recipes!
Cosmetic Treatments: Everything You Need To Know
Considering a cosmetic procedure, but aren’t sure what to expect? Cape town based general and aesthetic practitioner dr jan nel offers his valuable insights
LOVING LOCAL
LOCAL FASHION BRANDS ARE HELPING US BECOME MORE CONSCIOUS SHOPPERS IN THIS EVER-CHANGING WORLD, WITH THEIR BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED ECO-FRIENDLY WARDROBE PIECES
Listen Up
EVER NOTICE HOW YOUR CHILD’S BIONIC EARS PICK UP EVERY WORD OF YOUR PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS, YET COMPLETELY TUNE OUT WHEN YOU REALLY NEED THEM TO LISTEN? OUR EXPERTS OFFER SOME CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
Blood couldn't make us any closer'
THE TITLE OF ‘DAD’ DOESN’T ONLY BELONG TO SOMEONE YOU SHARE DNA WITH. THESE MEN HAVE FILLED THE FATHER FIGURE ROLE AND RAISED THEIR CHILDREN AS THEIR OWN
