Swine flu is still a threat around the world and the number of cases is expected to grow in South Africa this
winter. Although the pandemic has reached its apex in most parts of the northern hemisphere, we should be ready for it this winter when the World Cup takes place.
Swine flu is still a threat around the world and the number of cases is expected to grow in South Africa this
winter. Although the pandemic has reached its apex in most parts of the northern hemisphere, we should be ready for it this winter when the World Cup takes place.
In countries that were hit later than others, such a South Africa, virus transmission is still relatively common.
South Africans who are going to be here for the World Cup and those who are planning on travelling this year should consider getting the latest flu vaccine.
Dr Pete Vincent of the Netcare Travel Clinics is adamant that South Africans notbe complacent about the virus.
“We will have a lot of people visiting the country over the period of the World Cup. Therefore, the conditions for a rapid spread of the virus will be good,” he said. “The dangers are real and should not
be underestimated.
The N1H1 virus could well make a big return to South Africa during our next flu season.” According to a media statement released by Netcare Travel Clinics, the swine flu pandemic has so far claimed over 14 700 lives worldwide.
The N1H1 vaccination drive, managed by the Department of Health, aims to vaccinate up to a million people in March this year.
Vaccinations will be available at your local doctor, as well as clinics and pharmacies around the country.
Information about the virus and the vaccine can be found on the World Health Organisation’s website at http://www. who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/ en/.
