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.