Influenza Season

It may seem as though Summer has only just passed, but now is the time to be thinking about preventing the 'flu. The annual influenza vaccine is now available at Doctors of Glenroy.

Influenza is more than just a bad cold. In some cases it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia. Older people, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to suffer from complications.

Symptoms of influenza:

• high fever, sweats and chills

• sore throat

• dry cough

• body aches and pains

• headache

• weakness

The influenza vaccine is free for:

• Adults over 65 years

• Pregnant women

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and older

• Anyone over 6 months with a chronic medical condition, eg diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease, chronic lung disease, impaired immune system

The vaccine is also recommended for healthcare workers, for those caring for the sick and elderly, and for anyone wishing to protect themself from the 'flu.

#Influenza #immunization