Flu and RSV Are Still Circulating in South Africa: A Late-Winter Health Guide — 14 August 2026
NICD surveillance shows influenza and RSV had peaked but were still circulating. Here is how to protect high-risk relatives and when to seek medical care.
South Africa’s influenza and respiratory syncytial virus seasons had passed their peaks by the latest indexed surveillance report, but both viruses were still circulating. That makes late-winter precautions especially important in homes with babies, older people, pregnant women or relatives with chronic medical conditions.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ week 29 report, based on data collected up to 19 July 2026, said influenza and RSV activity were at low levels after their seasonal peaks. In 94 surveillance samples tested that week, nine influenza cases and 18 RSV cases were detected. Those figures describe samples from sentinel surveillance sites; they are not a count of every infection in South Africa.
Low activity does not mean no risk
A seasonal peak tells public-health specialists when activity was highest. It does not mean transmission stops immediately afterwards. People can continue to pick up respiratory infections at home, work, school, on public transport and in other shared indoor spaces.
Influenza commonly causes a sudden fever, dry cough, headache, muscle or joint pain, marked tiredness, a sore throat and runny nose, according to the World Health Organization. A cough can persist after other symptoms improve. RSV may also cause mild cold-like illness, but can be more serious for infants, older adults and people with some underlying conditions.
Symptoms alone cannot always tell influenza, RSV, COVID-19 or another respiratory infection apart. A healthcare professional can decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate for an individual patient.
Who should seek advice early?
South Africa’s 2026 influenza guideline identifies people aged 65 and older, pregnant women and women up to six weeks after giving birth, healthcare workers, and people with certain chronic or immunosuppressive conditions as priority groups for influenza vaccination.
The listed conditions include chronic heart disease or stroke, diabetes, chronic lung disease such as asthma, tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, and malignancy. The guideline also says children from six months to five years, residents of long-term care facilities and close family contacts of people at high risk may benefit from vaccination when supplies are available.
If someone in a high-risk group develops flu-like symptoms, contact a healthcare provider early rather than waiting for the illness to become severe. The NICD guideline says antiviral treatment, when clinically indicated, works best when started as soon as possible and ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. Medication decisions must be made by a qualified clinician; people should not share prescription medicine or self-prescribe antibiotics for a viral illness.
Is it too late for a flu vaccine?
The ideal time to vaccinate is before the influenza season, but the NICD’s 2026 guidance says vaccination can still offer protection later while influenza viruses are circulating and an in-date vaccine is available. A protective antibody response takes about two weeks to develop.
The guideline says the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is the formulation available in South Africa for the 2026 season. Availability differs between designated public facilities, private pharmacies and medical-aid benefits, so phone ahead. A clinician or pharmacist should screen for precautions and advise on timing, especially if a person is currently moderately or severely ill.
Simple steps that reduce spread at home
People who are ill should stay home until their symptoms have resolved and at least 24 hours have passed after the fever ends, the NICD advises. Avoid close contact with high-risk relatives, do not share drinks, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
A tight-fitting mask can reduce the chance of spreading infection in public or when close contact cannot be avoided. Opening windows where it is safe and practical can improve ventilation. Frequently touched shared surfaces should be cleaned with an ordinary household disinfectant.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, unusual drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or skin that becomes pale, blue or clammy. A person with severe symptoms, a worsening condition or an important underlying medical problem should be assessed promptly.
Most people with mild influenza recover without hospital care, but high-risk patients need a lower threshold for contacting a clinician. This article provides general public-health information and does not replace diagnosis or individual medical advice.
For more verified guidance, read EBNewsDaily’s guide to disposing of unused medicine safely and the latest Health coverage.
Sources: NICD weekly respiratory pathogens surveillance report; NICD 2026 influenza guideline; WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet.