Avoid the Flu this Season

MORE than 3,500 people in Australia die from influenza each year.

The people most at risk from influenza are the immune suppressed, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic disease such as cardiac disease, asthma or diabetes.

There are thousands of different strains of influenza and each year the World Health Organisation identifies a handful of the most serious strains to be in a vaccine.

Having the vaccine provides protection against the most harmful strains of influenza for the person who has had the vaccine and also helps protect the broader community.

Ben Butters, managing partner at Discount Drug Stores encourages people to come into the pharmacy to get their flu shot.

“I have the flu vaccine each year myself and I recommend people protect themselves against the most serious strains of the flu by having the vaccine,” said Mr Butters.

“This year there are two different preparations, one has three strains and the other vaccine has four strains,” he said.

“It protects the community, the more people that are vaccinated the more we can protect the community and protect people that can’t be vaccinated,” Ben Butters said.

Some people are eligible to receive the influenza vaccination under a government funded program, from general practitioners or other immunisation providers: see if you are eligible.

You can call to make an appointment at the Pharmacy:

• When: A clinic is held Monday 10am-1pm, but people can call to make an appointment on other days.
• Phone: 02 6545 3604

Influenza Fast Facts:

• The vaccine uses dead virus, so that the body’s immune system can recognise the live virus if it comes in contact with it;
• Less than 10 percent of people who have the vaccine may experience cold-like symptoms as their body’s immune system recognises a foreign body;
• The vaccine does not protect you from the common cold or less severe strains of the flu;
• More than 18,000 people are hospitalised in Australia each year with the flu;
• There are more than 300,000 appointments with GP’s each year.

Basic infection control:

To stop the spread of influenza this season:

• washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• using a hand sanitiser;
• avoiding contact with people who are sick;
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• cleaning and disinfect surfaces touched frequently, for example at work your phone and keyboard;
• staying at home when you are unwell, and
• coughing into your elbow rather than your hand.