Your Best Defense Against the Flu

Are you tired of missing work or school due to the flu? Do you worry about the serious consequences of the flu, especially for yourself or your loved ones who are in a high-risk group?

Flu (Influenza), is a contagious viral infection that can lead to hospitalization or even death for vulnerable populations such as young children, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions like diabetes, lung or heart disease.

Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of flu include fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache, muscle or joint pain, and exhaustion. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection. Children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In older adults, symptoms may include confusion, shortness of breath, and worsening of chronic conditions. It is important to note that the flu is different from a cold. While both are viral respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses and have different symptoms. The symptoms of flu are more severe and last longer than those of a cold.

Flu spreads through airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. People with the flu are typically infectious from 24 hours before symptoms appear until a week after symptoms subside. Children and those with a weakened immune system can be infectious for longer.

The Treatment and Importance of Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the flu. It is mostly prevalent during winter and affects the upper airways and lungs. But the good news is that the flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu. It builds immunity to the virus and helps prevent its transmission to others. In fact, it’s recommended for anyone over 6 months of age, and it’s especially important for high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

To prevent the spread of flu, vaccination and practicing good hygiene are key. This includes getting a flu shot every year, staying home if you are sick, washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with those who are coughing and sneezing, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding sharing items that come into contact with the mouth or nose.

Treatment for the flu involves bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications as directed.

It is important for everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu shot each year, as the strains of the flu can change each year. Vaccination builds immunity to the virus and helps prevent its spread. It is especially important for young children under 5, those in high-risk groups, and older adults to be vaccinated, as flu is more common in children and can cause a high rate of hospitalization for this age group.

If you are eligible under the National Immunisation Program, you can receive the vaccine through your local General Practitioner or community health provider. If not, you can make an appointment at a local pharmacy or general practice for a no-charge vaccination.”