Seasonal influenza can disrupt health, work and family life, and sometimes causes complications. This overview describes how flu spreads, who should particularly consider annual vaccination, expected side effects, the best timing for South Africa’s winter season, and simple measures that reduce transmission.

Many winter coughs, sore throats and flu-like illnesses are viral, so antibiotics will not help them. This article compares viral and bacterial infections, explains antibiotic stewardship and possible harms of unnecessary treatment, and highlights prevention, warning signs and when clinical assessment or rapid testing may help.

Written for people who enjoy Hout Bay’s coastline, this community update covers rabies risk from Cape fur seals and other mammals. It outlines pre-exposure vaccination, immediate wound care and post-exposure treatment, alongside practical steps for keeping people and pets safer around wildlife.