Flu Shot/Vaccine 2024
What is the Flu?
The Influenza (flu) is a contagious illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses which cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. It is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The difference between a COLD and FLU.
Colds are only a mild symptom which does not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalisations, whereas the Flu is a serious disease that can cause serious complications leading to the following conditions:
-
- Bronchitis
- Croup
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Heart and other organ damage
- Brain inflammation and brain damage
- Death
The Signs and Symptoms
of the Flu.
Flu Symptoms usually start about 1 to 3 days and can last for a week or more.
The most common symptoms of the flu include:
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Cough or sore throat
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).
How to relieve Flu Symptoms?
When relieving Flu Symptoms, see below the following remedies that are essential and helpful:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration
- Keeping warm
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke if possible
- Inhaling steam from a hot bath or shower in a closed room to help relieve a blocked nose – remember to always directly supervise children near hot water
- Several medicines available to ease cold and flu symptoms, such as pain and fever.
IMPORTANT: Before you attend your appointment at Infinity Health Medical Centre Green Square, please make sure to get tested for COVID-19 immediately, even if your symptoms are the flu or mild. It is our duty of care to look after all our Doctors, Patients and Staff.
National Immunisation Program:
The Flu Solution
The National Immunization program provides free Influenza vaccines to people most at risk of complications of influenza. It can be administered on the same day of any COVID-19 vaccine.
The Flu Shot
What is the Flu Vaccination Shot and its purpose ?
The Flu Vaccine helps protects you and your health from influenza viruses. The purpose of having the flu vaccine will prevent and reduce the severity of the illness, reducing the chances of getting sick and ill.
For the 2024 season it is recommended for the vaccination to be taken from April onwards ensuring protection during the peak high flu season.
For patients that received the 2023 Flu Vaccination, it is essential and recommended that they receive the 2024 Vaccine once available at Infinity Health Medical Centre Green Square.
Special Considerations of the Flu Vaccination.
Annual vaccinations are essential, as they outline the measure to prevent influenza.
- It is recommended for all people >6 months of age
- For adults aged >65 years, both the adjuvanted (Fluad® Quad) and high dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent) are preferentially recommended over standard influenza vaccine.
- For special considerations, they include the following demographics
- Young children aged 6 months to less than 9 years.
- Pregnant Women
- People who are travelling to destinations where Influenza is circulating.
Vaccines Available in April….
-
FluQuadri™ is available and NOT NIP funded
- Fluad® Quad is available and NIP funded for people aged >65 years.
- Vaxigrip Tetra® and Fluarix Tetra® for eligible people aged 6 months to 64 years
- Afluria® Quad for eligible people aged 5 years to 64 years
* Information effective as from 27th March 2024
It’s FLU SEASON.
Get a Flu Shot TODAY and make a difference.
Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and reducing the spread of influenza within the community. It is important to get your flu vaccine in April and May, before the start of the June to September flu season. By getting your flu vaccination you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also protecting vulnerable people who are too sick, too young such as babies less than six months old and those who have low immunity.
