Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
INFLUENZA, commonly referred to as flu, is a common illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs.
Here, it usually becomes more common during the colder months. Many people recover at home, but in some cases the flu can be severe and even lead to hospitalisation, especially in people who already have other health problems.
It is important to know the difference between the flu and the common cold. The two are often confused, but they are not the same.
The flu usually comes on suddenly. A person may feel fine one day and very sick the next. It often causes high fever, body pains, headaches, extreme tiredness, and a dry cough.
Many people feel too weak to go to work or school.
A common cold is usually much milder. It develops slowly and mainly causes a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. Fever is uncommon, and most people can still carry on with their daily activities.
The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza virus only. It does not prevent the common cold, because colds are caused by many different viruses.
So it is still possible to get a cold even after being vaccinated.
However, the vaccine helps prevent true flu and makes the illness less severe if it does occur.
The vaccine works by helping the body prepare to fight the flu virus.
It is given once a year because the virus changes over time. Protection develops about two weeks after the injection.
Even when it does not prevent infection completely, it reduces how sick a person gets and lowers the risk of complications like pneumonia.
The flu vaccine is safe for most people. Some may have mild side effects such as pain where the injection was given, slight fever, or body aches. These usually settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. The vaccine does not cause flu.
Some people are more at risk and should make sure they get vaccinated. These include older adults, young children (especially under five), pregnant women, and people with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, or HIV. Healthcare workers and people who look after others should also be vaccinated to prevent spreading the infection.
This year’s flu vaccine is now available locally in Zimbabwe. People are encouraged to get vaccinated early before the peak flu season.
Vaccination services are available at centres such as Highland Clinic and other healthcare facilities.
In simple terms, a cold is usually mild, but the flu can be serious. The flu vaccine will not stop you from getting a cold, but it can protect you from severe flu and its complications. Getting vaccinated is a simple step that helps protect you, your family, and your community.
For more on the flu vaccine, contact [email protected]
