Flu season survival guide: As winter peaks in South Africa, health experts say flu can hit hard—especially kids, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. The NICD recommends annual flu vaccination, proper handwashing (20 seconds), and staying home when sick to protect others. Medical scheme pressure: Discovery Health says it needs about 280,000–290,000 new members every year just to stand still, highlighting churn and rising cost pressures in private healthcare. Nuclear safety reassurance: Eskom and energy expert Vally Padayachee say recent Koeberg Unit 2 contamination incidents were contained, rated Level 0 by the INES scale, and pose no serious health risk to the public. Winter wellness and food: A Thai mackerel-and-rice vermicelli recipe leans into omega-3-rich fish and lighter seasonal meals. Public health and safety in communities: City of Cape Town plans to rein in Sea Point e-scooter speeds (targeting 8 km/h) after pedestrian safety concerns. Mental health clarity: A piece urges South Africans to stop mixing up mental health struggles with clinical mental illness, so people get the right help sooner. Retirement planning shift: Research suggests more South Africans plan to keep working past 60 as living costs strain retirement savings. Healthcare system strain: Private ambulance firms are “bleeding out” as medical schemes set rates that don’t cover costs. Rising food costs: Consumers are cutting back on red meat as prices rise, with more demand for cheaper cuts, offal and chicken. Sewage crisis watch: A report details severe sewage pollution at Albert Falls Dam catchment, with raw sewage and broken infrastructure still flowing into waterways. Rights and consent: A reminder on forced or coerced sterilisation stresses the importance of consent and knowing your rights.