With the flu season fast approaching, it’s time to get up to speed with all things flu related!
Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is a highly contagious disease caused by a group of viruses and is spread by infected people coughing or sneezing, and also from surfaces contaminated by respiratory secretions.
Many people confuse the common cold with the flu, but the flu is much more severe.
Symptoms of the flu include high fever chills, severe cough, muscle aches and pains, headaches and sore throat.
Flu infections can be serious and very debilitating on the body, and each year 20 per cent of the Australian population may be infected, with some hospitalised.
Individuals particularly at risk, include those suffering from chronic medical conditions such as lung and heart disease, diabetes, impaired immunity, pregnant women, people aged over 65, carers and health care workers.
The most effective way of protecting yourself against the flu is with an annual vaccination of Fluvax, which is available at both Virginia Medical Centre and Heritage Medical CentreTwo Wells.
Vaccination is recommended for high risk individuals, travellers and otherwise healthy Australians who wish to reduce their risk of becoming ill with the flu.
Please contact the medical centres to make an appointment:
Virginia Medical Centre 8380 9145; or
Two Wells Heritage Medical Centre 8520 2220.