The public is urged to vaccinate against influenza as the flu season has commenced earlier than usual, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) announced this morning.
The 2026 influenza season began in the week of 9 March, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season starting simultaneously. The concurrent onset means clinicians could potentially see a high burden of patients with respiratory illness in medical facilities in the coming weeks.
“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. While this year’s season has started earlier than in recent years, it is similar to 2025, when the season started in the week of 24 March,” says NICD spokesperson Vuyo Sabani.
Vaccines available from April
Influenza vaccines will become available in pharmacies from the first week of April. “The early start to the season means that this year, the vaccine is only becoming available as the season is getting started, so members of the public who fall into groups at high risk for severe influenza are urged to get their vaccines as soon as possible,” says Sabani.
“Influenza vaccination is recommended to protect against infection and severe illness. Ideally, the influenza vaccine should be administered prior to 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. “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. These groups should seek medical help early if they develop respiratory symptoms which are not resolving,” says Sabani.
Prevention measures emphasised to reduce spread
Influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B, according to the NICD are common seasonal influenza strains in humans.
“The majority of people with influenza present with mild illness, which usually resolves within three to seven days. However, influenza may cause severe illness, leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, especially amongst those at risk. While 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. This year, the RSV season has started later than usual.”
The institute advises communities to reduce the spread of flu and RSV by washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes with elbows or tissues, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and staying at home when feeling unwell.
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