Health experts are calling on South Africans to prioritise flu prevention after the National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed an earlier-than-usual start to the influenza season.
The warning comes as World Immunisation Week continues, placing renewed focus on the importance of vaccines and broader health precautions.
Profmed Clinical Executive Justine Lacy has urged the public to adopt a proactive approach to their health, stressing that vaccination alone is not enough to curb infections.
She said while immunisation remains a key defence, individuals should also adopt additional preventative measures to reduce their risk of contracting the flu and other illnesses.
Lacy emphasised that timing is crucial, encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as doses become available to ensure optimal protection during the early stages of the season.
Health officials continue to advise good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and staying home when ill, as part of a broader strategy to limit the spread of respiratory infections.