The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has warned of an early flu season in South Africa, with the 2026 influenza season starting in the week of March 9, 2026. This is similar to the 2025 season, which began in the week of March 24. The NICD has urged members of the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially those in high-risk groups.
According to the NICD, the flu season is declared when the rate from the NICD sentinel surveillance exceeds the defined level for the season to start and is sustained for two consecutive weeks. The fact that both the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons are starting at the same time means clinicians could potentially see a high burden of patients with respiratory illness in medical facilities in the coming weeks.
What You Need to Know About the Flu Vaccine
Influenza vaccination is recommended to protect against infection and severe illness. Ideally, the influenza vaccine should be administered before the start of the influenza season, as it takes about two weeks for an adequate immune response to develop following vaccination. However, it is not too late to vaccinate once the season has begun. The influenza vaccine will be available in pharmacies from the first week of April.
High-risk groups include pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, and obesity, older individuals above 65, and children under two years old (flu vaccine can only be given to children from 6 months of age). These groups should be encouraged to seek medical help early if they develop respiratory symptoms that are not resolving.
Reducing the Spread of Flu and RSV
To reduce the spread of flu and RSV in your community, remember to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. You can also learn more about influenza on the World Health Organization website.
The NICD also said RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in young children and can lead to severe illness in infants. It is highly contagious, primarily spreading through respiratory droplets. The RSV season typically begins in mid-February, with the onset ranging from late January to late February, usually preceding the influenza season.
Here are some ways to reduce the spread of flu and RSV:
- Celebrate World Health Day by taking care of your health and the health of those around you
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the illness to others
By taking these steps, you can help reduce the spread of flu and RSV in your community and protect those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.
