Maitland GPs are reminding their patients flu season is fast approaching and annual vaccination is the best way to protect against the virus.
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The flu (influenza) is caused by the influenza virus and is spread through coughing and sneezing.
It causes a wide range of symptoms, usually a cough, fever and muscle aches – often confused with symptoms caused by other viruses – and can cause serious illness leading to hospitalisation or death, even in previously healthy people.
There are two main types of influenza virus that infect humans and are responsible for seasonal flu each year: Influenza A and Influenza B.
Both type A and type B viruses have different strains and these can change each year so annual vaccination is the best way of preventing the flu and any associated illness.
A spokesperson for Rutherford Family Medical Practice said it was important to be vaccinated every year because flu viruses were constantly changing and protection from the vaccine gradually declined over time.
"The preferred time to receive the flu vaccine is in autumn to allow time for the vaccine to work before the flu season starts," the spokesperson said. "If the vaccine is not given in autumn, it is still useful to get it even if the flu season has already started."
There are other things you can do in addition to getting the vaccine to reduce your chance of coming into contact with viruses like the flu. These include washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, and staying away from work or social gatherings when unwell. The flu vaccine is available free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people who have the greatest risk of becoming severely ill from the flu. These people include:
- Pregnant women – the flu vaccine can be safely given during any stage of pregnancy.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of certain ages.
- People aged 65 and over.
- People with certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma that requires frequent hospitalisation), chronic neurological conditions, conditions that reduce the function of your immune system, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease and blood disorders.
Children from six months to nine years who have never received the flu vaccine before should have two doses at least four weeks apart. Most over nine years require only one dose unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Vaccines, like other medicines, can have side effects, but most side effects from the flu vaccine are minor.
