Seasonal influenza is upon us and this will be complicated by the additional presence of yet another influenza virus, H1N1 (swine flu). Influenza is a contagious respiratory viral illness that starts very acutely and results in high fever, headaches, extreme physical tiredness, lassitude and malaise, dry or chesty cough, sore throat, runny or congested and blocked nose, aches and pains all over, and diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, particularly in young children.

Some individuals are at higher risk of complications of flu and these include the elderly (65 and older), those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and young children. Serious complications include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of any chronic medical conditions, such as acute worsening of chronic congestive heart failure and chronic lung disease asthma and diabetes. In addition, sinusitis and ear infections requiring antibiotic treatment may occur at all ages.

The Health Division has made the seasonal influenza vaccine available from health centres, free of charge, to all persons aged 55 and over, all persons of all ages who suffer from chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, kidney; diabetics, and any immunodeficiency conditions, including HIV and AIDS. The vaccine is also being given to all those who reside in institutions, such as homes for the elderly and orphanages. The Health Division is also urging everybody to take the vaccine, through private healthcare facilities.

Public health experts are expecting this seasonal flu strain to be more severe than usual, with higher rates of sickness and sick leave, hospitalisation and even deaths. It is also expected that the flu season will strike earlier than usual, perhaps in November-December rather than between January and March as is normally the case. It is clear that the annual seasonal flu vaccine is a crucial step individuals can take to protect themselves. All individuals older than six months may take the vaccine.

The public should note that the flu vaccine is inactivated (dead) and cannot cause influenza or a cold. This is a common misconception that prevents individuals from taking the vaccine and should be dispelled. Indeed, many large and sensible local companies offer the vaccine for free to all of their employees and this is just plain common business sense as workers who catch the flu will be off work for a week or two with resultant loss of productivity and earnings for the companies.

The vaccine does not prevent colds and people can still catch the usual complement of ordinary coughs and colds irrespective of whether they take the flu vaccine or not.

Prevention is also important through personal hygiene. The mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue when individuals cough or sneeze and the hands should be frequently washed with soap and water. Wipes and rubs should only be used when soap and water are unavailable. Moreover, those with flu-like symptoms should stay off work and limit contact with others to slow the rate of spread of infection. They should also completely avoid high-risk individuals.

All of this will be compounded by the H1N1 swine flu when (and not if) this strikes the country fully, so it is wise for all to be covered for the ordinary seasonal flu virus. It is uncertain when the H1N1 vaccine will be imported into Malta and, when it is, the public will doubtless be advised through the media. The take-home message here is: go and get the flu jab now.