Everything you need to know about the 2017 flu season
Gwen Mackey is passionate about learning development, technology and family dynamics.
When it comes to the flu, your best protection is prevention. This means you and your family should be getting vaccinated every year. Like last season, 2017 has brought about a few changes. From how to arrange your flu shot, to simple ways to protect your family, here’s what you need to know.
The updates to 2017
Strains of influenza develop differently each year, which affects what vaccinations you should get, what’s available at pharmacies, and the advice your doctor will give you. This year already has seen around 7000 cases of influenza diagnosed, which is a worrying rise from 2016. To prevent your name, and your family’s names being added to that list, keep in mind these changes:
- Only injectable flu shots are recommended this season
- Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses
- There are some new flu vaccines on the market
- The flu vaccine recommendations for people with egg allergies have changed
- Generic versions of the flu antiviral drug oseltamivir have become available.
Many pharmacies are offering free flu vaccinations this season, so get in touch with your local pharmacist directly to arrange an appointment, or contact your GP. Free flu vaccinations are available to people who are:
- Aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island from 6 months up to 5 years old or 15 years and above
- People aged 6 months and above who could experience serious health complications as a result of contracting the flu.
How to protect your loved ones
Getting a flu vaccine for yourself and your family is the first thing you should do. It’s the single best method of protection. It reduces the risk of flu illnesses, trips to the doctor, missed work and school, and helps prevent hospitalisation. In fact, the more people that get it, the more your loved ones will be protected – especially young kids, the elderly, and those with certain severe medical conditions.
Getting your flu shot is easy. All you need to do is book an appointment with your GP. If you’re finding it too hard to make the time, simply head to your local pharmacy. The whole process only takes around 15 minutes.
While getting vaccinated is the best way to help prevent illness, it’s always worth practising good health habits too. For example, you should:
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- If you can, stay home when you’re ill
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Keep your hands clean
- Keep the house clean – especially when someone is sick
- Try and get plenty of sleep, and be physically active
- Regularly drink water and eat healthy food.
When and where to seek help
If you, your kids or your elderly parents are experiencing symptoms of the flu, it’s important to see your doctor straight away. Untreated, the flu can cause severe illness and even lead to death. Here’s what you need to look out for:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone experiences this)
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children).
While most people who get the flu will only have mild illness, and recover in less than two weeks, some people are more likely to get flu complications. These higher risk groups include young children, adults aged 65 and older, and pregnant women. For example, they could get pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. The flu can also make matters worse for people with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Weakened immune system
- People with extreme obesity.
If you do get the flu, there are prescription medicines called antiviral drugs that can be used to treat the symptoms. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider. Just remember that antiviral drugs do not substitute for the flu vaccine. Think of them more as a second line of defence.
Importantly, if you need urgent medical attention, dial 000 for emergency assistance. Alternatively, there are after hours GP services available nationwide who deliver professional medical services in your home.
Make it a healthy season
With winter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking seriously about how you and your family will combat the flu. Again, vaccination should be your first port of call, so it’s important to find the time to make it happen. And while it’s not a complete cure, it’s certainly a small price to pay for keeping your family happy and healthy