South Africa’s annual flu season has arrived earlier than expected, prompting health authorities to encourage citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the influenza season officially began during the week of March 24 — four weeks earlier than in 2024, and the earliest onset since 2010 based on pneumonia-related hospital data.

While an early start does not necessarily signal a more severe flu season, experts warn that early vaccination is key to preventing serious illness. The seasonal flu vaccine is currently available at public clinics and through private healthcare providers, including pharmacies and general practitioners.

“Now is the time to protect yourself and your loved ones,” health officials said, noting that the vaccine takes about two weeks to provide protection. They also emphasized that annual vaccination is important, as flu viruses evolve and immunity from previous vaccines fades over time.

For most individuals, influenza causes mild symptoms that clear up within a few days. However, it can pose serious health risks to vulnerable groups. Those at higher risk of severe complications include:

• Pregnant women
• People living with HIV
• Individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, tuberculosis, kidney disease, or obesity
• Adults over the age of 65
• Children under two years old

These groups are urged to get vaccinated immediately and to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.

Healthcare workers are also being called upon to get vaccinated — both for their own protection and to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to high-risk patients. The Department of Health is providing free flu vaccines to healthcare personnel and vulnerable individuals, including those with chronic conditions and pregnant women.

To help limit the spread of influenza, the public is reminded to follow basic hygiene practices:

• Wash hands regularly
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Stay home when feeling unwell

If symptoms persist beyond 3–7 days or worsen, medical care should be sought. Clinicians are being advised to keep influenza in mind when diagnosing respiratory illnesses during this period.

Weekly updates on flu activity and other respiratory viruses — including RSV, COVID-19, and pertussis — are available via the NICD’s Weekly Respiratory Pathogens Surveillance Report.