Flu Vaccination
Influenza is a contagious viral condition which is more commonly referred to as the flu. It can sometimes be confused with the common cold due to the nature of the symptoms. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when a person comes into contact with surfaces contaminated by droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms will usually appear within 3 days of becoming infected with the flu, and can continue for a week or more.
Like the common cold, the usual symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and coughing. However, unlike the common cold, the flu can also cause fever, chills, headaches and body aches.
Who should get the Flu Vaccine?
As the common strains of the influenza virus change and mutate each year, the vaccine is also changed to match those strains.
By being vaccinated each year, not only can you help protect yourself and your family from the disease, but you can also help prevent the disease from spreading through the community.
Those who are at the highest risk of being hospitalised with the flu include: ​
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People over 65 years
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Pregnant women
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Aborignal and Torres Strait Islanders over 15 years
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People with compromised immune systems
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Smokers
Those with other health conditions such as heart issues, asthma, COPD, diabetes (Type 1 and 2) and kidney problems may also have a higher risk of complications from the flu.​
Side effects
As with any vaccination, the most common side effect is redness and some pain at the site of the injection. These side effects generally dont last for longer than 24-48 hours, however if they persist do not hesitate to contact the Pharmacist at South Hedland Pharmacy for advice.
People can also experience flu-like symptoms after being vaccinated and these can include lethargy, headaches and low-grade fever. However, it is important to understand that there is no live virus in the vaccine, and that these symptoms are just the immune system responding to the vaccine.
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If you experience any symptoms that you are concerned about, please contact us for advice or seek medical assistance.