Influenza (also known as flu) is a very transmissible respiratory ailment instigated by flu viruses. It can be mild to severe infections, and at times it can be fatal. It can be spread by sneezing or coughing. Also, Flu viruses can be transmitted by hands and causing an infection that can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours. Infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues for only 15 minutes. Like cold viruses, infectious flu viruses survive for much shorter periods on the hands.
Every year, Australian Government with the help of Healthcare facilities and professionals are encouraging all especially those people who are at risk, to have a flu shot.
Every year people in certain high-risk groups are more likely to be severely impacted by season flu than others. When they get influenza, the medical condition may worsen and some older people may develop serious complications such as pneumonia, a heart attack or heart failure.
People considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza include:
- Those with chronic respiratory conditions
- Pregnant women (especially 2nd and 3rd trimester)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People aged 65 years or older
- People with certain other chronic medical conditions such as:
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Cardiac disease (excluding simple hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic metabolic disease
- Chronic renal or liver disease
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Immunosuppression (including cancers, HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs)
- Chronic neurological conditions.
Starting early April, we will be accepting bookings for flu shot injections for those who are eligible for government supplied flu vaccines. For those who are not eligible, we also accept bookings to see the GP to get the scripts for Flu vaccines and to be administered at your most convenient time.
Please call us at 02-96983030 to book an appointment to discuss with the GP how to have a flu shots and be protected against influenza especially this coming Winter Season.
