Should I get a flu shot?
Influenza, or the flu, is a common respiratory tract disease that affects people of all ages – even healthy people, can become very sick.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for everybody over 6 months old.
How do I get vaccinated?
In Australia, April or May is the perfect time to get your flu shot to give you protection all winter. However, you can get sick at any time of year, and you can get vaccinated at any time too. Appointments are quick and can be done without an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner.
Book an appointment online today (at the top of this page) to protect yourself and your family, or walk-in when it suits you.
Disease facts
The flu is caused by a group of RNA viruses. There are several different strains of the viruses, which give us influenza A, B and C, plus further variations denoted by H and N numbers (e.g. H1N1). The viruses change (mutate) regularly, which is why it is important to get vaccinated each year.
Seasonal influenza is estimated to cause approximately 100 deaths and 5100 hospitalisations in Australia each year. In addition, there have been four pandemics (large, global outbreaks) in the last 100 years. These include the ‘Spanish flu’ (which killed 3-5% of the world’s population in 1918) and ‘swine flu’ (in 2009).
Getting vaccinated for influenza each year is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu. It will also reduce the severity of the illness if you are unlucky enough to become unwell.
Flu symptoms
The flu is often confused with a common cold. However, whereas a cold can make you feel unwell with a sore throat, cough and runny nose for a few days, the flu is much worse. Most unvaccinated people who get the flu suffer from a mixture of symptoms, including:
In addition to the symptoms listed above, influenza in young children can also cause:
Although the flu is not life-threatening to most people, in severe cases a patient may experience multisystem complications, such as:
High-risk groups
Influenza can affect people of all ages. However, certain people are at a higher risk than others. These groups include:
People with chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, renal failure, metabolic disease) or any of the following medical conditions are also at a high risk from influenza:
If you work with, care for, or live with someone who is at a higher risk of influenza it is strongly recommended that you get vaccinated. This is because you might pass on the virus to someone who could become very ill, and you are also more at risk of catching the disease yourself.
The influenza vaccine is safe at any stage during pregnancy, but it is best to receive the vaccine as early as possible in order to protect yourself and your baby.
Infection & transmission
Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted person-to-person, for example through coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces.
Research shows that the virus can live for up to an hour in the air (e.g. after someone has sneezed) and for up to eight hours on hard surfaces such as plastic, metal or wood! The virus is usually incubated in the body for two days before the first symptoms appear and can hang around for a few days after the symptoms have gone. This means that you might be around people who have the flu, without knowing it.
Vaccine types
You should get a new influenza vaccine each year. Most people only need one shot per year, however, some people such as children getting the vaccine for the first time, may need more than one dose.
There are different vaccines available, depending on your age. Your pharmacist will be able to tell you what flu jab is right for you and how many doses you need.
The vaccines do not contain the live virus, which means that you cannot get the flu by getting vaccinated.
Side effects
Severe side effects to vaccination are rare. However, tell your pharmacist if you have any allergies or medical concerns before getting the vaccine. The flu shot may be dangerous to people who have had a bad reaction to a previous influenza vaccine, or who have a severe allergy to egg. Your pharmacist can advise you on whether the flu shot is right for you.
The influenza vaccine does not contain the live virus. This means that you cannot get the flu by getting vaccinated. However, you may experience some swelling, pain or redness at the injection site. This usually only lasts for one or two days and can be eased by applying an ice pack or using a pain relief such as paracetamol. Some people may have mild symptoms such as tiredness, a low fever or headache after receiving the vaccine. This is caused by the body’s immune response.
If you feel very unwell, faint, short of breath or if your symptoms do not go away, you should contact your doctor.
Preventing the flu
Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene are the best ways to avoid getting the flu.
In addition, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables of all different colours. This will make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong.
We have a range of supplements in store to help you get the vitamins and minerals that you need for a healthy immune system.
Treating the flu
If you do become unwell, make sure that you rest, try to eat healthy food and make sure that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated.
Your pharmacist can advise you on medications to help. Over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to reduce body aches and pains. Cold and flu medications can relieve symptoms such as a blocked nose, congestion, sore throat and cough.
If you experience severe symptoms you should contact your doctor or visit the hospital.
