Influenza or common flu is lurking around the corner. Not long to go til june when the annual flue season starts and brings sudden onset fever , severe headache, sore throat , runny nose , fatigue, general aches and pains , congestion in lungs, nose and throat and even death for some of us. Not forgotten yet the disastrous flu season 2007, when we had the lowest vaccination uptake yet in Australia followed by the most severe influenza season since national reporting was started in 2001 Everybody remembers the death of the 4 west Australian toddlers. So now is the time to get vaccinated. Vaccines have arrived to pharmacies and GP surgeries. Free vaccines are available for the 6 month to 4 year old ones as well as the pensioners over 65 years and indigenous adults over 50 years of age and indigenous adults 15-45 years of age. Vaccination is also recommended for anybody else with underlying significant health problems (Asthma , Bronchitis, Heart disease, Cancer, Immuno-supression like HIV), Pregnant women, who’s IInd and IIIrd trimester falls into the flue season June til September, Parents and families of high risk children under the age of 2.
But also everybody else benefits much like the community as a whole from being vaccinated against the flu. 80% of the over 65 year old population is taking the flu shots up every year, they are aware of the usefulness of the vaccine and have tolerated it well over the years. Only 20 % of the lower risk general population between 4 and 65 is having the jab every year. 50% of which have it just because their employer pays for it or pays for their time needed to get it. A wise and very smart move from these companies, as it keeps their sick days down and saves bucks later during the season. Why do the rest don’t have it? , it costs money (about 20 $ for the script, and most GP’s bulkbill costs for prescribing/giving the shot anyway). Some feel it might give them the flu, not possible as the flue vaccine is a dead virus material vaccine. I’m to healthy to get the flue – sure thing til it hits you one season, and anyway there is clear evidence that countries with a higher general uptake of flu vaccine have a lower sick rate in the general and lower death rate in the elderly population.
So come on Midwest get vaccinated these 2 months!
Important Facts:
- Vaccination is required yearly as the virus changes
- Side effects and allergic reactions are rare
- Soreness redness at injection site in 20 %
- Flue like illness for a day or so in 1 % only
- Current Minor illness is not a reason to avoid vaccine
How can you avoid getting the flu?:
- cover your face if coughing and sneezing
- chew with your mouth closed
- use a paper tissue to wipe your nose
- wash your hands regularly especially before preparing food
- stay at home til signs of illness settle( runny nose , cough, fever)
- avoid mixing with large crowds of people if influenza is about
- Young children and people with chronic conditions should see their doctor early with illness
Sources:
- www.abc.net.au/health
- Australian Family Practitioner 10th October 2008 “INfluenca”
- www.patient.co.uk “influenza immunisation
- www.public.health.wa.gov.au leaflets for diseases A-Z
Helko Schenk
Geraldton 12 3 2009
But also everybody else benefits much like the community as a whole from being vaccinated against the flu. 80% of the over 65 year old population is taking the flu shots up every year, they are aware of the usefulness of the vaccine and have tolerated it well over the years. Only 20 % of the lower risk general population between 4 and 65 is having the jab every year. 50% of which have it just because their employer pays for it or pays for their time needed to get it. A wise and very smart move from these companies, as it keeps their sick days down and saves bucks later during the season. Why do the rest don’t have it? , it costs money (about 20 $ for the script, and most GP’s bulkbill costs for prescribing/giving the shot anyway). Some feel it might give them the flu, not possible as the flue vaccine is a dead virus material vaccine. I’m to healthy to get the flue – sure thing til it hits you one season, and anyway there is clear evidence that countries with a higher general uptake of flu vaccine have a lower sick rate in the general and lower death rate in the elderly population.
So come on Midwest get vaccinated these 2 months!
Important Facts:
- Vaccination is required yearly as the virus changes
- Side effects and allergic reactions are rare
- Soreness redness at injection site in 20 %
- Flue like illness for a day or so in 1 % only
- Current Minor illness is not a reason to avoid vaccine
How can you avoid getting the flu?:
- cover your face if coughing and sneezing
- chew with your mouth closed
- use a paper tissue to wipe your nose
- wash your hands regularly especially before preparing food
- stay at home til signs of illness settle( runny nose , cough, fever)
- avoid mixing with large crowds of people if influenza is about
- Young children and people with chronic conditions should see their doctor early with illness
Sources:
- www.abc.net.au/health
- Australian Family Practitioner 10th October 2008 “INfluenca”
- www.patient.co.uk “influenza immunisation
- www.public.health.wa.gov.au leaflets for diseases A-Z
Helko Schenk
Geraldton 12 3 2009
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