What Is The Best Time To Visit A Flu Clinic
Flu can strike any time of the year and to anyone even those who are normally very fit and healthy.
The flu or influenza, a highly contagious disease caused by coming into contact with people who are already infected with the influenza type A or type B virus. It is spread when people sneeze or cough. Influenza virus affects the upper airways and lungs, but isn’t the same as or like a heavy common cold, it is much more serious and can cause serious complications for young children, the elderly and those who are already weekend with other medical conditions or issues. It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated to protect themselves and their unborn baby, so visit your local flu clinic.
Each year about 2000 adults die as a result of influenza and about 15 children. Last year, over the flu season there were in Australia over 250,000 reported cases of influenza.
55,000 of these were in Queensland and 5,000 cases on The Gold Coast, there are many cases that go unreported each season, but of those reported cases, that resulted in hospitalization the majority were young children and people over 65.
Because of the severity if the influenza virus last year and the new strain this year that has been called “The Brisbane Strain” which is believed to be the worst strain of the virus anywhere in the world the Queensland Government has introduced free flu vaccines for all children under 5 years old. The federal government is for those 65 years and older providing a flu vaccine that is more enhanced to provide them with greater protection.
When should you get your Flu Shot?
According to Professor Raina MacIntyre of the University of New South Wales, it is often hard to predict the exact time it is best to get your vaccination as the seasons can change each year. Normally the peak of the flu season is July to August, but it can be in May or as late as September.
The effectiveness of the vaccine can start to reduce after 3 to 4 months. Both the RACGP and AMA suggest the best time to be vaccinated is the end of April to early May as this will give that majority of Queenslanders the best overall cover.
It is important to get a yearly vaccination because the influenza virus strain can change and adapt each year, the vaccination last year will not protect you for this year and this years will not protect next year.
High Risk Groups
For people who are in the following high risk groups the Australian Government has a free immunization program that is available from any vaccine service provider such as local flu clinics on The Gold Coast:
- All children 6 months to 5 years
- All adults 65 years and older
- All Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander under 15
- Anyone with a medical condition over 6 months old
The best time to get your influenza shot is the end of April early May, but it is never too late as the flu can strike any time of the year and to anyone even those who are normally very fit and healthy. The government has made free shots available to those at high risk.
