Are you prepared for the flu season? It’s important to take precautions against the flu, especially if you are considered to be at higher risk. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know about the flu and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. We will also provide some answers to frequently asked questions about the flu.
Quick Guide:
- What is the flu?
- Who is most at risk of getting the flu?
- What are the symptoms of the flu?
- What can I do to protect myself this flu season?
- What are the benefits of getting the flu vaccine?
- Does the influenza vaccine protect me against Covid-19?
- Can I have the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine at the same time?
- Where can I get the flu vaccine?
What is the flu?
The flu, also called influenza, is a virus that infects the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. The flu is typically spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person.
Who is most at risk of getting the flu?
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at increased risk of severe illness, such as young children between the ages of six months to under 5 years old, people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those individuals who have chronic medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The most common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and tiredness. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing you should contact an ambulance.
What can I do to protect myself this flu season?
There are several things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
- First, get the flu vaccine. Immunisation is important in reducing life-threatening symptoms for those who are at higher risk of getting sick.
- Second, wash your hands regularly, use sanitiser and avoid touching your face.
- Third, stay away from people who are aware that they have the flu in order to help protect yourself.
- Finally, if you do get sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus. If you need to leave your house you should wear a mask to prevent spreading the flu to others.
What are the benefits of getting the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The flu shot helps your body build up immunity to the virus, making it less likely for you to get sick if you are exposed to the virus. The flu vaccine can also help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
Does the influenza vaccine protect me against Covid-19?
No, the flu vaccine will not protect you against Covid-19. However, it is still important to get the flu vaccine to help reduce your risk of getting sick with the flu.
Can I have the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can have both vaccines at the same time. In fact, getting both vaccines is the best protection for yourself from both viruses.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccination is available from your local GP or pharmacy. It is recommended that you call ahead to make sure they have enough of the flu vaccine in stock and that someone is available to vaccinate you.
We hope this blog post has answered some of your questions about the flu and how to protect yourself this flu season. If you have any additional questions or would like to book in to receive your flu vaccination, please feel free to contact us.