INFLUENZA - How to protect oneself!
Influenza or the” Flu” is a contagious disease that is very easily spread from individual to individual. Whilst Influenza can vary in its severity, it has the potential to cause severe complications requiring hospitalization, and can result in death.
Influenza is a vaccine preventable illness, and yearly vaccination with the current flu vaccine is the most effective method for reducing the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza, or transmitting influenza to others.
The Influenza vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot give you influenza. Once vaccinated, your body produces antibodies to protect you from the virus. Protection after vaccination varies from person to person, but people generally start producing the antibodies that provide protection two weeks after the vaccination. Some people who get the influenza vaccine may still get the flu, but they will usually get a milder case than those who were not vaccinated.
Influenza viruses are constantly changing. In response to this so does the make-up of each year’s flu vaccine. Therefore, yearly seasonal influenza vaccination is advised to maintain continued protection from influenza.
Who should receive Influenza Vaccination?
Annual seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended and provided FREE under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to:
· All individuals aged 65 years and over;
· All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over;
· All pregnant women;
· Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.
These conditions include the following:
- Cardiac disease eg. Coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke
- Chronic respiratory disease eg. Severe asthma, COPD
- Other chronic illnesses eg. Diabetes, renal disease,
- Impaired immunity eg. Cancer, immunosuppressant drug therapy, HIV
- Neurological conditions eg. MS, spinal cord injuries.
Influenza vaccine is also strongly recommended, but not necessarily free for:
- Staff, volunteers and frequent visitors to a hospital, long term care facility or aged care facilities;
- A person living or caring for someone who has a chronic illness or is aged;
- People providing essential services; and
- All those living in long term residential facilities (eg. “Students living on Ressies")
In addition to the above list, the University Health Centre strongly recommends that all individuals travelling overseas for holidays, study or work be vaccinated for influenza prior to travel.
If you are in any of the above groups mentioned, see your GP to discuss getting a flu vaccination.
Who should NOT receive Influenza Vaccination?
Individuals should NOT have the Flu vaccination if they have had an allergy to a previous influenza vaccine, or if they are allergic to eggs or the antibiotics neomycin or polymyxin.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
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shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing;
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swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; and or
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skin rash, itching or hives.
Possible side effects of the influenza vaccine
Common side effects:
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Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
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Low grade temperature
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Muscle aches
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Drowsiness or tiredness
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A temporary small lump at the injection site.
If mild reactions do occur, they may last one to two days. In children under five years of age these reactions may be more pronounced.
The side effects can be reduced by:
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Placing a cold wet cloth on the sore injection site;
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Not overdressing;
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Taking Paracetamol to lower fever; and
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Having extra fluids to drink.
Extremely rare side effects:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): The annual incidence of GBS in Australia is about 400 cases each year. Most cases of GBS are caused by a common gastro infection. Less than 5% have laboratory-proven influenza infection.