The Flu Shot & Its Important Benefits | What You Should Know
The Flu Shot & Its Important Benefits | What You Should Know
The Flu Shot & Its Important Benefits
As the flu season approaches, many Australians are wondering whether they should get the flu shot. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, and it can lead to severe complications, especially in older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
Fortunately, a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get the flu shot. Flu vaccines, also known as flu shots, are available at pharmacies, medical centres, and workplace flu vaccination providers, and the Australian Government Department of Health and healthcare professionals recommend them.
In this blog post, I will outline the important benefits of getting vaccinated against the flu and discuss when people should get their flu vaccine.
What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is spread from person to person through the air or by touching infected surfaces. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they can release droplets containing the flu virus into the air, which others can inhale.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu can lead to severe complications, especially in older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
Learn more about the history, symptoms and treatment of Influenza with this fantastic video by the World Health Organisation.
Symptoms of the flu
The flu can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, and can result in hospitalisations and even death. These complications can be life-threatening, especially in high-risk groups.
The most common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
How to prevent the flu?
You can take several steps to prevent the flu and reduce the spread of the virus. The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu shot, as recommended by the Australian Government Department of Health and healthcare professionals. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the flu and can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick.
In addition to getting the flu shot, you can also prevent the flu by practising good hygiene. This includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should also avoid touching your face and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you have flu-like symptoms, it is important to stay away from others, particularly from vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and pregnant women. You should also avoid going to work or school if you are sick and consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice on managing your symptoms.
By following these steps, you can help prevent the spread of the flu and protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus.
The benefits of getting vaccinated against the flu
There are several benefits to getting the flu shot for Australians.
The flu shot can protect you from getting sick with the flu, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
Getting the flu shot can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. This is especially important for older adults and people with compromised immune systems at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.
In addition to protecting yourself, getting the flu shot can help protect those around you, including vulnerable individuals such as older adults and pregnant women.
The flu is highly contagious and can spread easily through the air or by touching infected surfaces. By getting the flu shot, you can reduce the spread of the flu and protect those around you.
Getting the flu can also significantly impact your health and well-being. The flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue, knocking you out for several days.
Additionally, high flu cases can strain the Australian healthcare system, causing longer wait times at hospitals and GP centres. By getting the flu shot, you can protect yourself from getting sick and help prevent overburdening the healthcare system.
When to get the influenza vaccine
The best time for Australians to get their flu vaccination is in the lead-up to winter.
The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect, so it is important to get the flu shot before the start of the flu season. In Australia, the flu season typically runs from June to September, with the season’s peak occurring in August.
While it is never too late to get the flu shot, getting the vaccine in April and May is recommended to ensure you are protected throughout the flu season. You can talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to find the best time to get the flu shot.
In Australia, the flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for specific individuals, including older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. You can talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine your eligibility for a free flu shot.
You can get the flu shot in many places, including pharmacies, community centres (particularly in Victoria), and GPs.
Some employers also offer workplace flu vaccination programs to help protect their employees and reduce the spread of the flu. If you want to learn about workplace flu vaccination programs, we recommend contacting Corporate Care for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a flu shot?
It is recommended that individuals get the flu shot every year. The flu virus is constantly changing, and the strains of the virus that circulate each year can vary.
The flu vaccine is updated yearly to protect against the most common circulating strains of the flu virus. Getting the flu shot annually can help protect you against the latest flu strains.
This year, the flu vaccine for the southern hemisphere will contain one new strain for the A(H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
What are some of the side effects of getting a flu shot?
Getting a flu shot is generally safe and effective at preventing the flu, but like with any medication, there can be some side effects.
These can include mild pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.
If you experience pain or fever after getting a flu shot, taking paracetamol can help relieve these symptoms. However, it’s important to talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication and carefully read the label to ensure you take the correct dose.
It’s also important to stay close to the nurse, doctor, or pharmacist who administered the flu shot for at least 15 minutes after the injection.
This will allow them to monitor you for serious allergic reactions to the flu vaccine. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat, seek medical attention immediately.
Is it safe to get vaccinated if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to get vaccinated against the flu.
The Australian Government Department of Health recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated against the flu, as pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing complications.
The flu can lead to serious illness and even life-threatening situations for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
According to the College, getting vaccinated against the flu during pregnancy can protect both the mother and the baby from the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe to receive at any stage of pregnancy, and pregnant women need to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies.
It’s also important to note that the flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding women. The flu vaccine has been shown to be safe for both the mother and the baby, and it is unnecessary to avoid breastfeeding after receiving the vaccine.
In fact, getting vaccinated against the flu while breastfeeding can help protect both the mother and the baby from the flu.
Can you get the flu shot and the covid vaccine at the same time?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends getting the flu and COVID-19 shots if eligible. According to ATAGI, getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 can provide additional protection against these viruses and help prevent serious illness or hospitalisation.
ATAGI advises that people should get the flu vaccine every year, regardless of whether they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Receiving the flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting the flu and reduce the burden on the healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is generally safe to receive both vaccines simultaneously, and there is no need to wait between doses. However, talking to a healthcare provider about any questions or concerns about getting vaccinated is always important.
Where can I find out more about the flu?
There are several ways that Australians can learn more about the flu and how to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza. Some options include:
- Speaking with a local pharmacist or GP: Pharmacists and GPs are trained healthcare professionals who can provide information and advice about the flu and the flu vaccine. They can answer questions about the flu, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
- Visiting the Australian Department of Health website: The Australian Department of Health website is a reliable source of information about the flu and the flu vaccine. The website provides information about the different types of flu vaccines available, how the flu vaccine works, and who should get vaccinated.
- Asking about workplace flu vaccination programs: Many employers in Australia offer free flu shots to their employees to protect their workforce’s health. If your employer offers a workplace flu vaccination program, you can get vaccinated at work. There are different workplace flu vaccination providers in Australia, including Corporate Care, a leading provider of employee flu vaccination programs in Australia and New Zealand. If you want the flu shot through your workplace, contact your employer or Corporate Care for more information.
- Using Flu-E: Flu-E is an AI-powered influenza bot that aims to be the most accurate source of flu-related evidence-based information in the southern hemisphere. Flu-E can be accessed via social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allowing users to interact and ask questions about the flu.
Conclusion
The flu shot is an important tool in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the flu. It is especially important to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as getting the flu can strain the healthcare system and increase the risk of complications.
There are many benefits to getting the flu shot, including reducing the risk of getting the flu and its associated symptoms, reducing the risk of complications and hospitalisation, and protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the flu. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended for everyone over six months, with some exceptions.
In Australia, there are many options for getting the flu shot, including through local pharmacies, GPs, and workplace vaccination programs. Australians need to participate in these programs to help reduce the spread of the flu and protect the health of our communities.
The flu shot is important in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the flu and its associated complications. By getting vaccinated, we can help reduce the spread of the flu and protect the health of our communities.
- Behind the Syringe
- Flu Insights
Introducing Aitor Aspiazu, your go-to flu expert and a Registered Nurse accredited by AHPRA (NMW0001159845). Boasting over two decades of experience in healthcare, Aitor has navigated everything from Emergency Departments to Corporate Wellness Programs—and yes, he’s even battled the flu himself. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the driving force behind workplace health and well-being. No longer in scrubs, he’s now at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and automation to revolutionise workplace health and well-being. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the visionary behind cutting-edge flu vaccination programs that keep businesses running smoothly. Off-duty, he’s a proud dad and a Padel addict who represented Australia in the World Padel Championship. Trust Aitor; he’s got your back when it comes to flu prevention and modern healthcare solutions.