NICD says this year’s flu season started earlier

VAAL TRIANGLE - The National Institute of Communicable Diseases says this year's flu season began earlier than usual, with many pneumonia-related hospital admissions. Officials say that most cases are caused by the H3N2 strain of influenza A, with smaller numbers of H1N1 and influenza B also detected. The public is urged to wash hands, cover coughs and get vaccinated, as flu strains change each year. Although transmission remains low for now, early monitoring is advised to help prevent severe illness and protect those most at risk.