Flu Vaccine | Growlife Medical
In Australia, our influenza or “flu” season generally runs over the winter months. While it is possible to get the flu any time of year, cases typically rise in the cooler seasons, with a peak in August. Now is the time to get your flu vaccine to prevent you from falling ill.
As we get used to living alongside COVID-19, it's more important than ever to get vaccinated for the flu, as well as ensuring you are up to date with COVID-19 boosters. We want to do all we can to avoid becoming unwell and ensure our hospitals are not overwhelmed with seasonal flu and COVID patients.
Make a booking with Growlife Medical today for your flu vaccine.
Flu Shots
Flu shots are recommended for all people aged 6 months and older, to highly reduce your likelihood of becoming ill with the influenza virus.
If you meet certain criteria, you may be able to get flu shots for free under The Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP). Typically, free immunisation is provided for high-risk groups of people. These groups include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months or older
- People aged between 6 months and 5 years
- Pregnant women during any stage of their pregnancy
- People aged 65 years or older
- People over 6 months who are living with certain medical conditions, including cardiac or respiratory disease, diabetes, renal disease, neurological or haematological disorders or those who are immunocompromised.
Even if you’re not a member of a high-risk group, the Australian Department of Health still recommends flu vaccinations for all people aged 6 months or older. If you do not fall into one of the categories above for a free vaccination, you may purchase the vaccine privately from one of our clinics.
You can arrange for a flu shot with
Growlife Medical today.
The Flu Vaccination
Medical professionals are strongly encouraging people to get their flu vaccinations. Vaccinating during April is the best time to get yourself prepared for the upcoming flu season. Through the NIP scheme, one government-funded vaccination is available for eligible people each year.
Visit your state or local government area’s website, or contact your GP, to learn more about where and when flu vaccinations are available in your area.
What is the Flu?
What Causes the Flu?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness, which spreads through close contact between people via the droplets emitted when coughing or sneezing.
You can contract the flu from an infected individual by breathing in these droplets, kissing the person, or by touching a surface that has been coughed on, sneezed on, or touched by that person. When you touch your hands to your nose, eyes or mouth, the virus will enter your body, and you may become infected. This is why it’s so important to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands regularly.
The flu virus can survive on surfaces for several hours. The virus tends to remain active on stainless steel and other hard surfaces for longer than softer surfaces such as fabric. Once a person begins experiencing flu symptoms, they will be infectious for approximately 7 days afterwards.
Flu Symptoms
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Body and muscle aches
- Sinusitis
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Flu Relief
Of course, the best defence against seasonal flu is prevention. That’s why it’s imperative to get your yearly flu shot and practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, especially after being in close contact with other people, using the bathroom, or before touching your face (such as when you’re eating).
There is no cure for the flu virus, but it is possible to relieve some of the common symptoms. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. This keeps your nose, mouth and throat moist, which helps your body get rid of phlegm and mucous build-ups. If you have diarrhea or fever, you may lose water quickly, so it’s important to replenish your levels.
You’ll also need a lot of best rest. Quality sleep encourages a healthy immune system and will help your body fight off the virus quicker. When suffering from the flu, make sleep a priority to ensure you’ll be on the mend as quickly as possible.
Side Effects of Flu Vaccination
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling around the lips or eyes
- Racing heart
- Dizziness
- High fever
How to Book a Flu Shot?
Growlife
Medical Centres
in
Fairfield,
Highgate Hill,
Sherwood
and
Oxley
are committed to supporting your whole family's health throughout life's journey.
Phone us now on 07 3036 4081 or book an appointment online at Growlife Medical .
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