What is the flu?
Influenza is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the Influenza strain of viruses. It is contagious and is spread between humans by droplets from the respiratory tract that may be spread by sneezing, coughing or close contact. Adults are most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness.
Why Does it Matter?
Most people will recover from the flu within a few days, although the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, headache and fatigue can be very unpleasant. However, for some people, getting influenza can result in complications that can result in hospitalisation and even death. This is more common in the elderly or in infants, or people with chronic medical conditions or problems with their immune system.
Can I Get a Free Flu Shot?
The government offers free flu shots for those who are most at risk of complications from influenza (eg elderly or those with chronic conditions), or for those who are at risk of passing on the disease to the vulnerable (eg healthcare workers and pregnant women). To see if you are eligible, have a look at the SA Health page here: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/immunisation/immunisation+programs/annual+influenza+program/annual+influenza+program
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still get a prescription from your doctor for a flu vaccine for a small price!
How often should I get the vaccine?
It is recommended that you get a flu shot once a year. This is because the Influenza virus is very good at changing its appearance so it can escape the immune system. Because of this, scientists develop a new vaccine each year developed on the most common strains of the virus. The best time to get vaccinated is in the autumn months, as it is most common in winter and can take up to two weeks to work.
Are there any risks associated with the flu vaccine?
Usually the only side-effects of the flu vaccine are pain and redness at the injection site, and mild temperature, muscle aches and fatigue. These are usually minor and last a short time. Very rarely, you can get an allergic reaction to the vaccine, and because of this it is important to wait for 15 minutes at the doctor’s office after getting the vaccine.
Will it work?
It is important to remember that the vaccine is not 100% effective, and it is still possible to get some strains of the flu. However, the vaccine should make the symptoms more mild. There are also other common viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms which the vaccine does not protect against.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic, feel free to book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors by booking online or contacting us by phone on 8269 6000.
References:
SA Health, 2018, Flu vaccine frequently asked questions [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/immunisation/vaccines/flu+vaccine/flu+vaccine+frequently+asked+questions. [Accessed 23 March 2018].
NSW Government, 2018, Influenza fact sheet – Fact sheets [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/influenza_factsheet.aspx. [Accessed 23 March 2018]
Medical information disclaimer:
No advice: Our website contains general medical information. The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such.
No warranties: The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Without limiting the scope above, we do not warrant or represent that the medical information on this website: will be constantly available, or available at all; or is true, accurate, complete, current or non-misleading.
Medical assistance: You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.
Interactive features: Our website includes interactive features that allow users to communicate with us. You acknowledge that, because of the limited nature of communication through our website’s interactive features, any assistance you may receive using any such features is likely to be incomplete and may even be misleading. Any assistance you may receive using any our website’s interactive features does not constitute specific advice and accordingly should not be relied upon without further independent confirmation.
Limits upon exclusions of liability: Nothing in this disclaimer will: limit or exclude any liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence; limit or exclude any liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; limit any liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or exclude any liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.
Credit:This document was created using a template from SEQ Legal (http://www.seqlegal.com).
