The combination of COVID-19 and a severe flu season makes having a vaccination all the more important this year to help prevent against influenza and its complications.
Vaccination is a way to protect people from serious disease caused by influenza and getting vaccinated against the flu also helps protect other people, especially those who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated.
National president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Professor Trent Twomey warned against complacency about the flu.
“Last year influenza numbers were down, largely because of lockdowns and isolation,” Mr Twomey said.
“This year was anticipated to be a lot different and we are already seeing a resurgence of influenza infections.
“Many people fail to recognise how dangerous the flu is.
“However, getting vaccinated is the way to protect yourself and your community.”
Getting your flu shot at your community pharmacy is easy and convenient.
“You can be confident in your local community pharmacists’ skills and ability,” Mr Twomey said
“Pharmacists can vaccinate people across a wide range of ages, from children to elderly adults.
“In some states pharmacists can vaccinate children from five years of age.
“Community pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals and so are very well-placed to administer flu shots.
“There is often no waiting time to receive a flu vaccine at a pharmacy.
“In Australia ... more than 72 per cent of those based in regional areas live within 2.5km of a pharmacy so they are really convenient and easy to get to for most people.”
With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the need to be protected against the flu is more important than ever. And confusingly, the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can be similar.
The symptoms to watch out for are:
- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste;
- Fever;
- Chills or sweats;
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Shortness of breath; and
- Runny nose.
Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Symptoms of the flu can hit very quickly and may last several weeks.
Protection against the flu is better than a cure and in addition to getting vaccinated there are simple steps which everyone can take to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading the flu:
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow;
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly;
- Rest and recover at home.
If you experience more serious symptoms, seek medical attention.
You can book an appointment to receive a flu vaccination by visiting or calling your local pharmacy or via findapharmacy.com.au.
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