Why it is best to get your annual flu vaccine now
The dreaded flu season is simply across the nook. Right here’s why now’s the proper time is for you and your loved ones to e book a flu vaccine appointment.
Influenza (generally known as the flu) is a contagious an infection of the airways that may trigger gentle to extreme sickness and even result in dying.
Nothing concerning the flu is enjoyable, with signs starting from fever, fatigue and headache to muscle aches, sore throat and cough.
In Australia, flu season usually peaks from June by to September. However attempt as you may to remain wholesome, it may be troublesome to keep away from getting sick.
Which is the place your annual flu vaccination and some different frequent sense measures ought to come into play, in response to infectious illnesses paediatrician Professor Robert Booy.
“The best degree of safety happens within the first three to 4 months following vaccination, so folks must be seeking to get vaccinated as quickly because it’s out there, from March or April onwards,” Prof Booy says.
“You may nonetheless get the flu however in the event you’ve been vaccinated it’s more likely to be much less extreme.
“Ongoing hand hygiene can be vital and susceptible people who find themselves extra in danger ought to put on masks when out and about.”
Take heed to The Home of Wellness radio group’s dialogue on the significance of getting a flu vaccine forward of this flu season:
What kind of a flu season are we in for?
Australia had a file low flu season in 2021 due to interventions in place to manage Covid – suppose masks, social distancing and border controls.
Then case numbers have been increased in 2022. Now, consultants are making ready for what this 12 months may convey.
“Once we look world wide, we see that every one kinds of infections that have been in abeyance throughout the pandemic at the moment are surging as a result of persons are mixing in massive numbers and nonetheless have diminished immunity from an absence of publicity throughout Covid,” Prof Booy says.
“That features respiratory viruses akin to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the flu, and bacterial infections like meningococcal.”
Covid can be nonetheless placing a pressure on the well being system.
“So, folks with a number of medical issues, who are usually over 50, must be seeing their GP for antiviral treatment if they’ve worrying respiratory issues,” Prof Booy advises.
Who ought to get vaccinated?
The Australian Authorities recommends everybody aged six months and over must be immunised in opposition to seasonal flu.
Because the flu virus is consistently evolving to beat our immune system, the vaccine is designed round 4 particular strains every year.
On The Home of Wellness radio present, Gerald Quigley says the annual vaccination formulation adjustments every year, primarily based on strains in the newest northern hemisphere flu season.
“Significantly if you’ll be travelling, it’s essential that you just get the up-to-date flu vaccination and get a certificates to confirm that as nicely,” he says.
Influenza vaccines are free to folks from high-risk teams recognized within the Nationwide Immunisation Program Schedule and they need to search recommendation from their well being practitioner.
(Observe, your vaccination supplier might cost a session payment for this service.)
Excessive-risk teams embody kids aged six months to lower than 5 years; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folks aged six months and over; folks aged six months and over with sure medical circumstances that improve their likelihood of extreme influenza and its issues; pregnant girls; and folks aged 65 years and over.
“Folks have to take their well being severely and do what they will to guard themselves, their household and others of their group in opposition to getting sick,” Prof Booy says.
Extra tricks to keep wholesome and nicely:
Written by Liz McGrath.
