Central Coast News

Commonly known as ‘the flu’, influenza is a highly contagious disease that can be serious, debilitating and affect the whole body. The flu is spread by infected people coughing or sneezing as well as from surfaces contaminated by respiratory secretions. So, it’s easy to catch and spread and hard to avoid.

The flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk.

Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.

Influenza virus changes frequently, where one different strain dominates each year.

Did you know?

• Influenza is a potentially fatal disease estimated to cause more deaths than road accidents every year: between 1500 and 3500 influenza deaths annually.
• Experts estimate that influenza in Australia causes more than 18,000 hospitalisations and 300,000 GP consultations per year.
• Between 5% and 20% of the Australian population may be infected with influenza each year.
• Children are much more likely to contract influenza in any given season: 20-50% compared with 10-30% in adults.

When should I get vaccinated?

Flu vaccination should begin soon after the vaccine becomes available, so that’s NOW!

Flu vaccinations are available at all our practices and our GPs urge you and your family to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated immediately so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

Who should be vaccinated?

Children over six months of age with “medical risk conditions”, patients over 65 years of age; Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients and pregnant women.

Who is most at risk and are urged to get vaccinated?

Influenza is especially dangerous for:

• Elderly people
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
• Young infants
• People with underlying medical conditions

If you fall under one of these categories, you may be eligible to receive a free vaccination.

Please speak to our medical team for further information on eligibility.

Find out more about the flu and vaccinations here http://www.flusmart.org.au

Quick tips to help you avoid the Flu this season:

• Get Flu vaccinated every year
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Clean your hands properly and regularly
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs

Don’t delay, get flu season ready, and protect yourself and your family today. New patients and walk ins are welcome.

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