As temperatures drop and time spent indoors increases, winter becomes a peak period for influenza season in South Africa. Although flu is often perceived as 'just a bad cold,' it can cause prolonged discomfort and may lead to serious complications, especially in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
According to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), the flu season in South Africa typically runs from autumn through winter, peaking when temperatures decline.
There are several simple habits that can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting the flu and prevent its spread among others.
Health experts advise annual vaccination because flu viruses change from season to season. While the shot does not cause the flu itself, it helps the immune system recognize the virus, thereby reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. This is particularly important for high-risk groups, including people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as healthcare workers and caregivers.
One of the simplest ways to avoid infection is regular handwashing with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol should be used.
Handwashing should be done before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose, and also after touching frequently used surfaces in public places. It is important to keep hands away from the face, as many viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. One should avoid touching the face if hands are not clean, especially after being in public places.
When coughing or sneezing, a tissue or the crook of the elbow should be used instead of hands. Tissues must be disposed of immediately, and then hands should be washed or disinfected. This simple measure helps prevent the spread of virus-containing droplets to people around.
Even if one wants to continue working or studying, staying home when experiencing flu symptoms protects colleagues, classmates, and vulnerable family members. Most people are contagious starting about a day before symptoms appear and for several days afterward.
It is also recommended to regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, as flu viruses can survive on them for several hours. Such items include doorknobs, light switches, mobile phones, computer keyboards, TV remotes, and kitchen countertops.
Although there is no miracle food that can prevent the flu, maintaining a healthy lifestyle gives the immune system the best chance to fight infections. To support overall immune function, it is beneficial to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay physically active, drink enough water, sleep seven to nine hours every night, and manage stress if possible. Foods rich in Vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients contribute to this, although they cannot prevent the flu on their own.
To improve ventilation and reduce the accumulation of viruses indoors, even in winter, windows can be briefly opened. If someone in the house falls ill, increasing airflow will help reduce the risk of viral transmission.
It is important to be able to distinguish between a common cold and the flu. A cold usually develops gradually and is accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. The flu, however, typically starts suddenly and often includes high fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, severe fatigue, and a dry cough.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, confusion, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement are observed.
The flu is easily transmitted, but daily actions can significantly influence the situation. Vaccination, adherence to hygiene rules, staying home when sick, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help not only protect oneself but also reduce the spread of infection in the community. As winter arrives, taking preventive measures now can mean less time in bed and more time to enjoy the season.
Residents of South Africa can expect a generally calm and stable winter day on Tuesday, as the South African Weather Service has not issued severe weather warnings, fire threat alerts, or other advisories.
Most of the country will enjoy good conditions, although some areas are expecting cool temperatures and frost early in the morning. In Gauteng, the day is forecast to start with frost in the south, after which temperatures will rise to cool levels, while later in the far north of the province, warmer weather is expected.
In the provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West, residents can expect good weather with temperatures ranging from cool to warm, providing pleasant winter conditions. Free State will remain good and cool throughout the day, and the Northern Cape is expected to have cloudy conditions and patches of morning fog in the western and southern parts before the weather improves to clear.
In the Western Cape, cloudiness and morning fog are expected in the west, but conditions will gradually improve to partly cloudy and cool weather as the day progresses. Similar foggy phenomena are forecast for some parts of the western Eastern Cape in the morning, followed by clear and cool weather. The eastern half of the Eastern Cape should remain good and cool all day, while KwaZulu-Natal will enjoy dry weather, although colder conditions are expected in the southwestern parts of the province.
The South African Weather Service reported moderate levels of sunburn risk for Gauteng and the Western Cape, while KwaZulu-Natal will face a very high UVB index, meaning that residents spending extended time outdoors should take precautions against sun exposure despite the winter season.
As no significant weather systems are affecting the country, Tuesday promises to be another day of calm winter weather, offering clear skies in most regions and favorable conditions for travel, outdoor activities, and agricultural work.
Residents of South Africa should be prepared for another cold winter day on Friday. Frost and fog are forecast in several provinces, after which the weather is expected to improve and become more comfortable.
According to the South African Weather Service, frost is expected in some areas of Gauteng in the morning, after which the weather will become clear and cool. Temperatures in the northern parts of this province are expected to rise.
Fog is also forecast in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. Drivers traveling early in the morning are advised to exercise caution due to possible reduced visibility.
In Mpumalanga, foggy patches are expected along the northern escarpment before giving way to clear and cool weather, while Lowveld is expected to be warm. Residents of Limpopo may encounter morning fog over parts of the West Bushveld and central inland areas, followed by clear weather with temperatures ranging from cool to warm.
The North West is forecast to have a clear and cool period all day. In the Free State, the southern part will be cloudy, while other areas will enjoy clear weather with cool or warm temperatures.
The Northern Cape, in its southern and western regions, expects variable cloudiness, while the rest of the province will feature clear and cool or warm weather.
In the Western Cape, residents can expect cool weather with variable cloudiness, with morning fog likely in the southern interior. Similar conditions are expected in the western half of the Eastern Cape, where the fog will dissipate, giving way to variable cloudiness. The eastern half of the province, conversely, should remain clear and cool.
KwaZulu-Natal will start the day with fog over the northeastern areas, which will then lift to give way to clear conditions. Coolness is expected in most areas of the province, but temperatures will be higher in the northeast.
No severe weather warnings, fire hazards, or meteorological advisories have been issued for the country for Friday, and no rain is expected anywhere. Although weather conditions will remain generally stable, the South African Weather Service has warned of high levels of ultraviolet radiation in Gauteng and very high levels in KwaZulu-Natal, increasing the risk of sunburn for those spending extended time outdoors.
