1. Early Start & Intensifying Activity

• • The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed the start of the 2025 flu season on 24 March, a full four weeks earlier than last year and the earliest onset since 2010 News24worcesterstandard.co.za+1Facebook+1.

  • In the week of 31 March–6 April, around 11–12% of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza

2. Dominant Flu Strains

• • Surveillance reports from 2024–2025 show a consistent mix, with both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) circulating. In 2024, 60–62% of cases were H1N1, followed by 30% H3N2 NICD+4Public Health Bulletin South Africa+4Public Health Bulletin South Africa+4.

  • A News24 article highlights that A(H3N2) is the dominant strain in 2025, contributing to this season’s surge News24.

3. Public Health Emphasis & Recommendations

• • NICD and WHO underscore vaccination as the top defense. Even with the season underway, immunisation remains effective and necessary worcesterstandard.co.za.

  • High‑risk groups—pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses—are strongly urged to get the shot early worcesterstandard.co.za.

4. Expert Advice: Caution & Common-Sense Measures

• • The South African Medical Association (SAMA) and other health experts advise precautionary steps as flu and COVID-19 subvariants like NB1.8.1 co-circulate. They recommend:

  • Wearing masks when experiencing symptoms

  • Avoiding large gatherings when ill

  • Practicing good hygiene and social distancing, especially in winter IOL..

5. Context Within Southern Africa

• • The WHO’s Global Influenza Programme reports stable flu activity in Southern and Eastern Africa, with A(H3N2) prevalent in SA and other countries Public Health Bulletin South Africa+5World Health Organization+5CDC+5.

  • The CDC notes high flu-related hospitalisation rates in South Africa and Zambia during the 2024 Southern Hemisphere season WHO | Regional Office for Africa+14CDC+14CIDRAP+14.

6. Surveillance Snapshot

• • From Dec 2024 to June 2025, NICD tested ~3,777 respiratory samples: ~11.7% were flu-positive NICD.

  • In 2024, of 7,690 tracked individuals, 13% tested positive—with H1N1 at ~61% and H3N2 at ~30%

    ✅ Your Practical Checklist

    1. Get the flu shot ASAP—especially before peak season hits.

    2. Strengthen personal protection: mask up, wash hands, avoid crowded places if symptomatic.

    3. Educate your network—share facts and safety tips.

    4. Stay updated—follow NICD weekly surveillance and WHO/country data.

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    In Summary

    South Africa’s 2025 flu season is not only early but also active and multi-strain. However, effective vaccines are available, and with timely uptake plus sensible precautions, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the flu’s impact. Stay informed, stay protected!