Pittwater Life April 2017 Issue

Health & Wellbeing
Arm yourself against the flu
Local doctors are now taking appointment
bookings for flu vaccination.
Health authorities say the annual flu
vaccination is your best shot at keeping
you and your family safe from the serious
risks of influenza.
The flu usually differs from a cold as
symptoms develop suddenly, and can
lead to complications such as chest
infections and pneumonia – particularly
among the elderly and young children.
Flu symptoms tend to develop abruptly
one to three days after infection, and can
include: tiredness, high fever, chills, headache,
coughing, sneezing, runny noses,
poor appetite, and muscle aches.
Most people who get the flu will suffer
from mild illness and will recover in
around four weeks. However, some people
can develop more severe health problems,
including pneumonia, bronchitis,
chest and sinus infections, heart, blood
system or liver complications, which can
lead to hospitalisation and even death.
Experts estimate that influenza in
Australia contributes to more than 18,000
hospitalisations and between 1500 and
3500 deaths each year.
This year’s flu jab protects against the
four strains of flu predicted to circulate in
Australia over the winter months.
Influenza vaccination is recommended
for every person aged six months and
over who wishes to reduce the likelihood
of becoming ill with the flu.
Free seasonal influenza vaccination is
available for the following people:
n People aged 65 years and over;
n Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged
six months to five years;
n Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people who are aged 15 years and over;
n Pregnant women; and
n People aged six months and over with
medical conditions such as severe
asthma, lung or heart disease, low
immunity or diabetes that can lead to
complications from influenza.
While the vaccine is free for the groups
above, consultation fees may apply.
Influenza is extremely contagious, with
studies showing influenza can survive for:
n An hour or more in the air in enclosed
environments;
n More than 8 hours on hard surfaces
such as stainless steel and plastic;
n Up to 15 minutes if transferred from tissues
to hands; and
n Up to 5 minutes after transfer from the
environmental surfaces.
As well as the flu shot other things to help
protect yourself against influenza include:
regular hand washing; avoid touching your
mouth or nose; sneeze and cough into
tissues and dispose of them quickly; keep
surfaces and door handles clean and avoid
sharing things like cups, cutlery and towels.
According to Immunise Australia there
is now evidence that the effectiveness of
the influenza vaccine wanes over time
and it’s important be protected when the
flu is most common, around August.
Ask your doctor for advice on the best
time to receive your vaccination.
– Lisa Offord
Health & Wellbeing
Celebrating 25 Years
APRIL 2017 41