Flu vaccinations for the 2020 season
When it comes to
protecting yourself and your family from the cold and flu, it seems that
everyone has a different strategy – from rugging up in warm clothes to eating
raw cloves of garlic.
One thing we can be sure of is that an annual flu
vaccination provides you with the best protection against the flu and its
complications each winter.
Nobody wants to
spend time in bed sick but protecting yourself from the flu is about so much
more than just missing time off work. It’s estimated that each year, flu
contributes to an average of 13,500 hospitalisations and 3,000 deaths among
Australians aged over 50 years. It’s not just older adults that are at a higher
risk of contracting the flu — young children, pregnant women and people with
chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk.
What are flu
symptoms?
Symptoms of the
influenza virus include:
·
Fever
·
Chills
·
Muscle aches
·
Cough
·
Congestion
·
Runny nose
·
Headaches
·
Fatigue or weakness
How is the flu
treated?
It’s recommended
to take lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids, like water or hot tea with
honey, to allow the body to naturally fight infection. Sometimes, extra help is
needed to restore your body to full health, and that’s when medicine or other
medical assistance is required.
Over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory pain relievers can assist in alleviating some symptoms.
Remember, cold and flu tablets or cough medicines won’t cure you of the virus,
but they may help you to feel better. Speak to your pharmacist to find the
most appropriate treatment for your particular needs.
However, the best
treatment is prevention, and that’s where good hygiene and the flu vaccine can
help.
How does the flu
vaccination help to keep me healthy?
The
influenza virus rapidly changes, each year, a new vaccine is developed to keep
up to date. These vaccines protect your body against infection by these
influenza viruses.
It’s important to
get a flu vaccine every year, to make sure that you stay safe and healthy.
How can
I get a flu vaccination?
Although
it’s only just starting to cool down, April is a good time to get the vaccine
so that it can provide protection before the peak influenza period, which is
around June to September. It’s recommended that everyone six months of age or
older gets an annual flu vaccine.
Some
people in the community can get the vaccination for free at community health
centres, including people aged 65 years and over, those who suffer chronic
conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-14
years old.
Capital Chemist is offering the influenza vaccine at a small cost. It’s
convenient, quick and easy, and is conducted in the private consulting room of
participating pharmacies. Age
restrictions apply, so it’s important to contact your Pharmacist or pop in to
the pharmacy where vaccination can usually be done on the spot.
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