How To Get Rid Of The Flu
Overview
“How to get rid of the flu” is a common question every winter. The flu (influenza) is a viral infection that usually resolves on its own, but it can be serious – especially for young children, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. In South Africa, official health authorities like the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Department of Health provide evidence-based guidance on flu prevention, treatment, and when to seek urgent care.
Below is a practical, South Africa–focused guide on what you can realistically do at home, when to contact a healthcare professional, and how to use official channels if you need help or wish to escalate concerns about care.
Note: The website mentioned in the brief, Get Rid Of (https://www.getridof.us/), does not appear to belong to any recognised South African health authority or government programme. There are no official contact details or organisational information for “Get Rid Of” on that domain at the time of writing, and therefore no such details are included or recommended here.
Understanding the Flu in South Africa
What is the flu?
The NICD describes influenza as an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, spread mainly by droplets when infected people cough or sneeze, and by contact with contaminated surfaces that are then touched and brought to the face. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue, and can range from mild to severe according to the NICD’s influenza information for the public and clinicians, available through the NICD influenza and respiratory diseases pages on their official site (NICD – Influenza overview).
How long does flu last?
According to information published by the NICD and linked from its influenza surveillance and seasonal reports (NICD – Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis), most uncomplicated cases:
- Start suddenly (often over a few hours)
- Are most severe in the first 2–3 days
- Improve within about a week, although fatigue and cough can linger
How To Get Rid Of The Flu: Evidence-Based Steps
1. Rest, fluids, and symptom relief
South African public health guidance for seasonal flu, as summarised on the National Department of Health’s public health and communicable disease pages (National Department of Health – Communicable Diseases), and reflected in NICD clinical guidance, emphasises:
- Rest: Stay home, avoid strenuous activity, and give your body time to recover.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water, diluted fruit juice, or clear soups. Fever and rapid breathing can lead to dehydration.
- Fever/pain control: Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) may be used to relieve fever and body aches. The NICD’s influenza clinical guidance (accessible via the NICD guidelines section on its site, NICD – Guidelines) advises symptomatic treatment in uncomplicated cases.
- Cough/sore throat: Throat lozenges, warm drinks with honey (for adults and children over 1 year), and simple cough mixtures may provide relief.
Always follow dosing instructions and check with a pharmacist or doctor, especially for children, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic conditions.
2. When antivirals are considered
The NICD’s guidance for clinicians on seasonal influenza (available via the NICD influenza clinical guideline documents on the official NICD site, NICD – Influenza clinical guidance) notes that antiviral medicines (like oseltamivir) may be used:
- For people who are at high risk of severe flu, or
- For those with severe illness or hospitalisation, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
These medicines are not routinely prescribed for otherwise healthy people with mild flu. A doctor in the public or private sector must assess whether you fall into a high‑risk group and whether antivirals are appropriate.
When To Seek Medical Help
Danger signs that need urgent care
The NICD and National Department of Health both stress that certain symptoms may indicate complications (such as pneumonia) and require urgent assessment. According to NICD influenza guidance for the public and clinicians (NICD – Respiratory diseases information) you should seek immediate medical help at a clinic, GP, or emergency unit if you have:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Bluish lips or face
- High fever that does not improve with usual treatment
- Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
- In children: fast or trouble breathing, inability to drink or breastfeed, persistent vomiting, unusual irritability or lethargy
High‑risk groups
The NICD identifies the following groups as being at higher risk of severe illness from flu (NICD – Influenza and high-risk groups):
- Pregnant people (especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester and the immediate postpartum period)
- People living with HIV
- People with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, neurological, or metabolic conditions (including diabetes)
- The elderly (≥65 years) and very young children
- People with morbid obesity or immunosuppression (e.g., due to chemotherapy)
If you fall into one of these categories and develop flu‑like illness, you should contact a healthcare provider early rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
How To Prevent Flu (So You Don’t Need To “Get Rid” Of It)
Flu vaccination in South Africa
The NICD and the Department of Health recommend annual influenza vaccination for high‑risk groups and certain occupational groups. The NICD’s influenza vaccination guidance (via its official website, NICD – Influenza vaccination) explains that:
- The flu vaccine is updated yearly to match circulating strains.
- It does not give you flu; side effects are usually mild (soreness at the injection site, low‑grade fever).
- It reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, even if you still catch flu.
Vaccines are available through:
- Public sector facilities for high‑risk groups in the season, subject to availability
- Private GPs, pharmacies, and corporate wellness programmes
Everyday preventive measures
NICD and Department of Health communications on respiratory infections (National Department of Health – Health Promotion) emphasise:
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol‑based hand sanitiser.
- Respiratory etiquette: Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or your elbow; dispose of tissues safely.
- Stay home when ill: Reduce transmission at work, school, or public transport.
- Avoid close contact: Stay away from vulnerable people (e.g., elderly relatives, babies, people with chronic illnesses) while you’re sick.
Using Official South African Contact Channels
Because “Get rid Of” (https://www.getridof.us/) is not an official South African health platform, it is safer and more appropriate to use recognised public‑health and medical contacts when you need advice on how to get rid of the flu, or when to seek care.
1. National Department of Health (South Africa)
The National Department of Health is responsible for public health policy, including influenza and other communicable diseases. Its official website is https://www.health.gov.za.
According to the “Contact Us” page on the National Department of Health’s official site (National Department of Health – Contact Details), the head office contact details are:
- Telephone (switchboard): +27 (0)12 395 8000
- Physical address:
National Department of Health
Civitas Building
49 Southbourne Avenue
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
(These details are taken directly from the Department’s official contact page.)
There is no single centralised clinical email for flu advice; instead, the Department functions mainly via provincial health departments, programmes, and public facilities, all accessible via the main website.
How and when to use these contact details
Use the National Department of Health contact details to:
- Ask policy‑level questions about national influenza campaigns, vaccinations, and guidelines.
- Obtain contact details or referrals to provincial health departments or specific programmes dealing with flu and respiratory diseases.
- Report systemic issues in public facilities (e.g., persistent lack of flu vaccine at a district level, or concerns about implementation of national flu strategies).
When calling the switchboard (+27 (0)12 395 8000):
- Call during office hours (typically weekdays, 08:00–16:00).
- Be ready with:
- Your full name and contact number
- Your province and city/town
- Whether your question is about vaccination, clinical care, access to medicines, or general public‑health information
- Ask the operator to direct you to:
- The Communicable Diseases or HIV, TB & STIs / Communicable Diseases programme for policy queries, or
- The relevant provincial health department contact if your query is local (e.g., vaccine availability in your district).
2. National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
The NICD is the national public health institute responsible for surveillance, specialised diagnostics, and expert guidance on infectious diseases such as influenza. The NICD operates under the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Official information and contact details appear on the NICD site at https://www.nicd.ac.za.
According to the NICD “Contact Us” page (NICD – Contact Details), the main contact details are:
- Telephone (general/NICD switchboard): +27 (0)11 555 0540
- 24‑hour hotline for healthcare workers (NICD clinician hotline): +27 (0)82 883 9920
- Physical address:
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
1 Modderfontein Road
Sandringham
Johannesburg
2131
South Africa - Website: https://www.nicd.ac.za
(These details are drawn from the NICD’s official contact page.)
How to use NICD contact details for flu‑related queries
- Public, non‑urgent info:
- Visit the NICD website and navigate to the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis (CRDM) for detailed resources on seasonal influenza, surveillance reports, and vaccination recommendations (NICD – CRDM).
- Use the main switchboard (+27 (0)11 555 0540) for general institutional queries, media enquiries, or to be directed to the relevant programme if you’re a researcher, policymaker, or NGO.
- Healthcare professionals and facilities:
- Use the 24‑hour clinician hotline (+27 (0)82 883 9920), as indicated on the NICD contact page, when you are a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker seeking urgent expert advice on:
- Severe or complicated influenza cases
- Outbreaks of influenza‑like illness in hospitals, clinics, schools, or long‑term care facilities
- Interpretation of lab results or specialist diagnostics
- Have patient details, clinical history, relevant test results, and your facility details available when calling.
For members of the public, the NICD does not function as a primary care line; instead, you should normally consult your clinic, GP, or hospital first. NICD resources online, however, are a reliable reference on how to prevent and manage flu.
Which Department to Use – And When
For personal medical care and “how to get rid of the flu” in your own body
- First stop:
- Your local clinic, GP, or emergency unit depending on symptom severity.
- Use:
- Advice from the NICD and Department of Health websites for general understanding of flu, symptoms, and prevention.
- Do NOT rely on:
- Non‑official sites or organisations without clear credentials or contact details, such as “Get Rid Of” (https://www.getridof.us/), for direct medical advice.
For questions about flu policy, vaccines, or public sector services
- Use:
- National Department of Health switchboard: +27 (0)12 395 8000 (National Department of Health – Contact Details)
- Ask to be directed to the relevant communicable diseases or immunisation programme, or to your provincial health department.
For specialised or outbreak‑related queries (especially for professionals)
- Use:
- NICD clinician hotline: +27 (0)82 883 9920 (for doctors and healthcare workers)
- NICD main line: +27 (0)11 555 0540
Both numbers are given on the official NICD contact page (NICD – Contact Details).
Escalation Options and Complaints
If you believe you received poor quality care for flu in a public health facility, or faced issues like refusal of care, unsafe practices, or discrimination, South Africa has formal escalation routes.
1. Facility and district/provincial complaints
- The National Department of Health indicates, via its general public‑health governance information (National Department of Health – Patient Rights and Complaints), that patients should first:
- Lodge a complaint at the health facility where care was received (ask for the facility manager or complaints officer).
- If unresolved, escalate to the district then provincial health department using contact details obtainable via the National Department of Health’s switchboard (+27 (0)12 395 8000) or from the relevant provincial health website.
Prepare:
- Your full name and contact details
- Facility name, date, and time of the incident
- Detailed description of what occurred and why you’re dissatisfied
- Copies of any documents (e.g., discharge notes)
2. Health Ombud (Office of Health Standards Compliance)
For serious, unresolved complaints involving public health establishments, you may approach the Health Ombud, operating under the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC). According to the OHSC’s official website (OHSC – Office of the Health Ombud), the Ombud:
- Receives and investigates complaints about breaches of healthcare standards in public health facilities.
- Acts independently of the National Department of Health.
The OHSC’s “Contact Us” page (OHSC – Contact Details) lists:
- Telephone: +27 (0)12 942 7800
- Email for complaints (as provided on the OHSC contact and Ombud pages): complaints@ohsc.org.za
- Physical address:
Office of Health Standards Compliance
79 Steve Biko Road
Pretoria
0002
South Africa
(Details taken directly from the OHSC site.)
Use the Health Ombud route only after you have tried to resolve the matter at facility and provincial level, unless the complaint is extremely serious (e.g., gross negligence, death, or systemic abuse).
Practical Checklist: How To Get Rid Of The Flu Safely
- At first symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, aches):
- Rest, stay home, drink fluids, and use over‑the‑counter remedies appropriately.
- Refer to NICD public information on flu symptoms and care (NICD – Influenza information).
- If you’re high‑risk (pregnant, elderly, chronic disease, immunocompromised):
- Contact your clinic or GP early for assessment.
- Ask about whether you are eligible for antiviral treatment and confirm your vaccination status each season, with guidance informed by NICD vaccination recommendations (NICD – Influenza vaccination).
- If any danger signs appear (breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, persistent high fever):
- Go immediately to the nearest clinic or emergency unit.
- In hospital or complex cases, your treating team may contact the NICD clinician hotline (+27 (0)82 883 9920) for advice, as per the NICD contact page (NICD – Contact Details).
- For questions about public‑health services or vaccine availability:
- Call the National Department of Health switchboard (+27 (0)12 395 8000) and ask for the communicable diseases or immunisation programme (National Department of Health – Contact Details).
- For unresolved complaints about public sector flu care:
- Follow the facility → district → provincial complaint pathway.
- If still unresolved, contact the Health Ombud via the OHSC (OHSC – Office of Health Ombud).
Final Notes
Learning how to get rid of the flu is as much about prevention and early action as it is about symptom relief:
- Get the flu vaccine every season if you’re in a high‑risk group, following NICD and Department of Health advice.
- Use credible, official South African sources – such as the NICD (https://www.nicd.ac.za) and the National Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.za) – rather than unverified websites.
- Know when to seek urgent care and how to escalate complaints if your right to quality care is not respected.
By combining authoritative information with the correct use of official contact channels, you can manage flu safely and reduce the risk of serious complications for yourself and those around you.
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