Page 4 - William Cape Gardens Newsletter - Autumn 2018

4 WILLIAM CAPE NEWS, AUTUMN 2018
Health & Wellbeing

Flu Season is Approaching

It has been recognised for many years that people 65 3. Seek Medical Advice Quickly if you Develop Flu
years and older are at the greatest risk of serious Symptoms
complications from the flu because human immune
defences become weaker with age. While flu seasons can Check whether you might need medical evaluation or
vary in severity, people 65 years and older bear the treatment with antiviral drugs. The benefit of treatment
greatest burden of severe flu disease. It's estimated that is greatest if is started within the first two days of illness.
between 71 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-
related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and Commonly Asked Questions:
older. When should I receive the vaccine?

Actions to Take This Flu Season:
As influenza usually occurs from June, with the peak
1. Get Your Flu Shot usually falling around August, vaccinating from April 2018
allows individuals to develop immunity before
It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and transmission of influenza is usually at its highest.
older get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are often
updated each season to keep up with changing viruses, Is it safe for me as an Adult, to get the Flu Shot?
and immunity wanes over a year, so annual vaccination is Yes. All flu vaccines currently available in Australia are
needed to ensure the best possible protection against safe to use in adults. All vaccines in Australia must pass
influenza.
stringent safety testing before being approved for use by
2. Practice Good Health Habits the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
This includes covering coughs, washing hands often, and Source: www.immunise.health.gov.au
avoiding people who are sick. For further information and for advice on the best time
to receive your vaccination, please speak with your local
GP.