The current flu season started earlier than usual, landing in March.
From pharmacy shelves to hospital beds and workplace absenteeism, this year's flu season has carried a financial cost extending well beyond the doctor's consulting room.
For many South Africans, what starts as a cough or fever can quickly become an expensive exercise, with over-the-counter medicines, doctor consultations, pathology tests, prescription medication and time away from work adding to the cost of recovery.
A visit to a Johannesburg pharmacy found prominent displays dedicated to winter wellness, with shelves stocked with cold and flu medicines, cough remedies, vitamins and immune-support supplements. Promotions, including "3 for 2" offers on selected products, highlighted how pharmacies compete for seasonal spending.
Common cold and flu products ranged from around R106 for Benylin 4 Flu syrup to R177 for Corenza C tablets, while ACC600 effervescent tablets cost about R169. Vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and immune-support supplements ranged from about R50 to almost R100 a bottle.
