Important Facts And Side Effects Of Flu Vaccinations Last

Flu vaccines are becoming more important each flu season. You can get your shot from corporate flu vaccinations on The Gold Coast at any time to ensure you are protected. They have the latest matched vaccines for this season.

But just what is vaccine matched or a good match?

A good vaccine match happens when the type of flu that is circulating in the community is closely related to the antibodies that are produced by the vaccination giving you the best possible protection against the influenza infection.

So what happens if the vaccine viruses and the viruses in the flu strain that is circulating in the local community are different?

Sometimes there is more than one strain of virus’s in circulation; they can combine into a new strain so your resistance may be reduced so you could still catch a mild form of the flu.

How is it possible that sometimes the vaccine is not a good match for the viruses that are circulating?

The experts that make the vaccines are trained to anticipate which types of viruses they will include in each vaccine to give you the best cover. This is done in advance so there’s enough vaccine ready on time. Because of this antigenic drift (the mutation of the virus), there is always a slight chance that the strain of the virus you encounter will not be an optimal match for the vaccine you have had.

Is this coming season’s vaccine going to be a good match for the viruses that are circulating?

It is not possible to be 100% certain that the flu vaccine will be a good match for all the different flu viruses, but you will still have a reasonable cover.

What to Expect and the Possible Side Effects of Vaccinations

Can I get the Flu from Having a Flu Vaccination?

No, you cannot get the flu from a flu vaccination. There are three types of flu vaccines now available from corporate flu vaccinations on The Gold Coast. Two of these are administered using an injection and one with a nasal spray. One is made with a dead (inactivate) virus and the others are made using proteins from vaccine virus that is weakened or attenuated as well as being cold adapted so it can only survive in the nose and not spread about the warmer parts of the body.

What Side Effect Could I Experience From Having a Flu Shot?

Although you cannot get the flu you may experience some mild flu like symptoms that will not last long and are nowhere near a sever as the flu would be.

• A small amount of tenderness or swelling where you received the shot
• A low grade fever
• A Mild aches
• Sore muscles
• A Runny nose
• Wheezing
• A Mild headache
• Vomiting
• A Cough

Having your seasonal flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and family from the unpleasant infection. Some people can experience some mild reactions to the vaccinations, but these symptoms do not, as a rule, last long and are nowhere near as severe as getting the flu could be.

What Are The Common Flu Symptoms?

Influenza or the flu is a viral infection which attacks a person’s respiratory system, the nose, throat and lungs. Mostly our bodies are able to resolve influenza by ourselves, but sometimes it causes complications that can be deadly, so your best defense is to receive your flu vaccinations.

The people who have a right probability of developing flu complications include:

• Children under 5 years
• Adults that are older than 65
• Residents of care facilities including nursing homes
• Women while pregnant and new nursing mothers
• Anybody who has a weakened immune system
• People who have or are recovering from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease
• People with a (BMI) body mass index that is 40 or higher, very obese

Symptoms

Often the flu starts like the common cold with sneezing, a runny nose, and sore throat, but it tends to come on quickly or suddenly, whereas a cold usually develops slowly. A cold feels more of a nuisance than being really sick, but the flu makes people feel unmistakably sick

Common signs and likely symptoms when you have the flu include:

• A fever over 38 C (100.4 F)
• Aching, sore muscles, often in the neck, back, arms and legs
• Feeling chills and sweats
• A Headache
• A dry, persistent cough
• You feel fatigued and weak
• Your nose and chest are congested
• You have a sore throat

When to see a doctor

At the start of the flu season, everyone is advised to get your flu vaccinations on the Gold Coast. If you have a mild flu, it can be treated at home, but it’s advisable to see your doctor or health advisor. They can provide you with antiviral drugs that can help reduce the severity of your flu and avoid complications that could develop

Causes

• Flu viruses can travel in the air in tiny droplets when a person with influenza talks, coughs or sneezes. The infectious droplets can be inhaled directly from the air or picked up from objects you touch, such as a computer keyboard door handle or telephone. Once on your hands, it transfers to your mouth, eyes or nose.
• When someone has the flu virus, they are often contagious a few days before the first symptoms appear and for the next week to ten days. Some people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for longer times.
• Because the influenza viruses constantly change and develop new strains regularly, even if you’ve had influenza in the past, your body will not have developed the antibodies necessary to fight the new season’s strain of the virus as it will be immunologically different from what you had before.

Risk factors

Both young and older people have a higher risk of developing the flu. Those living or working in schools, public transport, hospitals, dormitories and nursing homes, as well as people with a medical condition and those using drugs, being pregnant or obese, have an increased risk of flu and complications.

What Is The Best Time To Visit A Flu Clinic On The Gold Coast?

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 clinics on The Gold Coast.

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.

Facts About Seasonal Workplace Flu Vaccinations

Influenza is a very serious disease in many cases it can lead to hospitalization and its complications can sometimes result in death. Each year the very virus mutates so each flu season is different. Just as everyone is different the influenza infection can affect people differently. Each year, millions of people get the flu, which results in hundreds of thousands of people being hospitalized. Even healthy people who rarely get sick can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. During flu season, new flu viruses circulate at in Australia higher levels throughout the population.

An annual seasonal Workplace flu vaccine on The Gold Coast is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick and spreading it to others. When you get your annual flu vaccination, it means you are not spreading the flu virus and with more being vaccinate it stops the spread in the workplace and  community.

Consider these facts on seasonal workplace flu vaccinations:

1. How do these flu vaccines work?

After about two weeks of being vaccinated the flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in your body, these antibodies help to provide you with protection against the viruses in the vaccine

2. Flu vaccination for seasonal workers?

Seasonal workers usually move from one workplace to another, so are more likely to be exposed to the influenza virus than other people and are also more likely to spread it around

3. Protecting Others

Having your seasonal flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for seasonal workers and especially those with chronic health conditions, it not only protects you and your family but protects the people around you

4. WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that a deadly strain of influenza called the “Brisbane Strain” because it originated in the Queensland capital, is one of the most deadly in the world so people whose workplace is seasonal are urged to get flu vaccinations on The Gold Coast early to avoid this influenza virus

5. Last year over 1100 people died from complications from this influenza “bug”. So far, as of April 12^th this year just in Queensland, more than 3200 people it has been reported, have been diagnosed with influenza

The Brisbane strain of influenza is at least ten years old, but because it keeps evolving, as is normal for influenza, to keep up with the body and our immune systems ability to combat it, so this vaccine needs to be reevaluated and updated every six months.

The decision on which strains of the flu virus should be included in vaccines is based on the latest strains that are in circulation at the time and the most dangerous to public health. Local governments are setting millions of dollars for state hospitals and local area health boards to combat this year’s flu. You can get your own and families, workplace flu vaccinations on the Gold Coast by visiting your local public hospital or doctors rooms.

What Are The Key Benefits Of Seasonal Flu Vaccine

There are many reasons to get your flu vaccine; the most obvious reason is so you don’t get the flu. Here are some other reasons to become vaccinated.

• Having the flu isn’t fun, by having your vaccine you are reducing your chances of having to be admitted to hospital.

• Having the flu vaccine is important as helps to protect the people around you including children and the elderly from catching the flu.

• Preventing the flu has been shown to reduce the rates of chronic heart problems.

• Flu vaccinations are responsible for the reduction of hospitalizations among people who have diabetes and chronic lung disease.

• Having a flu vaccine helps protect women while pregnant and the mother and baby after birth. Pregnant women are more likely to have complication if they have the flu.

• Pre-schoolers who are aged two and above as well as primary school students are at a venerable stage and need protection by being vaccinated as they are likely to come into contact with other children with influenza at school.

• Having a vaccine significantly reduces children’s chances of dying from influenza and associated complications.

• Having a vaccine will make your illness much milder if you do get sick.

• If traveling you are at a greater risk so your flu shot become more important.

• Using the flu vaccine helps to reduce the burden on our health care system especially at the busy time of the year.

• Older people are also very susceptible to the new strains of flu.

• The flu virus spreads through the air as people sneeze and cough, having your vaccine is the best protection you can get against this and similar viruses when the body becomes exposed to them.

• Many people become complacent and consider that they were vaccinated last year or season so do not need to have a new vaccine this year, but the flu strains keep changing and adapting so it is necessary to have your vaccine each year, preferably in late April to early June.

• If you missed out on having your vaccine early it is never too late to have it.

• Once you are vaccinated it takes about two weeks for you to become protected so it is better to get in early to have the best chances of missing out on the flu.

‘Stay Well this Winter’ program has a vaccination program that is operated by the Public health Agency as well as Health and Social Care Board which encourage people to learn how to take simple steps such as using the flu vaccine so they can keep healthy during the colder months each year.

Tips For Planning Your Childcare Flu Shot On The Gold Coast

Before a vaccination, getting your children ready is often a good idea, as often they are afraid of needles. The local childcare flu shot providers on The Gold Coast are experienced in dealing with vaccinating children and so are equipped to deal with the practical and emotional issues involved.

But children can tell if you’re hiding something, so being open and honest about the whole issue is the best policy.

These tips can help you prepare your child for their vaccination:

• Pick a nice quiet time to talk with your children about vaccinations. Speaking in a calm, relaxed tone of voice to show you have confidence in what you are saying. Use honest and simple explanations that they can easily understand and can accept.

• A good example of what to say is “I want you to be fit and happy, so we need to make sure that you will stay healthy, by having this medicine that will keep you from getting the nasty flu.

• It is important that you do not tell them that it will not hurt or that they will not feel anything as this is misleading and you can lose their trust.

• Making statements like “do not be nervous” or “big boys don’t cry” is bound to make them nervous and worried causing them to feel shame and making matters worse.

• Making threats also makes them feel worse and scared, it shows you think this is going to cause them pain. It is ok to tell them that after we will go to the park or have McDonald’s so they have something to look forward to.

• Often a child will say “NO”, “I don’t want to” or “please mummy don’t let them hurt me” so it is important to have a nice but firm response ready such as “Dear it is very important as we talked about, that we do this, so let’s both of us work together to get through this and make it easier”.

• Leave early for your vaccination appointment so you have a relaxed and stress free trip there. Maybe tell a good story or listen to some nice music.

During the Vaccination

Most of the fear or stress is from anticipation so when visiting childcare flu shot providers, try:

• Asking if they want to sit on your lap, this is their safety zone and can make them feel more relaxed.

• Hold their hand or suggest the play with a stress ball or a favorite toy. Even watch something on your cell phone to catch their interest.

• Have them do a count down from 5 to zero, so they are aware of what’s happening and are not afraid.

• Slow, deep breaths can help to calm them down and relax, practice before you get there how to do “breathe in the roses then blow out the candles.

Having your children vaccinated can be stressful, so beforehand, explain in a calm and friendly way, just why this is important to their health and that of other people. Go with them when they get their shot and be supportive but not critical of their fear or apprehension.

The benefits of looking after your workplace with vaccinations

A responsible company and their management team will have the best interest of its employees at heart because healthy, happy employees are the backbone of every successful business.

There has been lots of controversy over flu vaccinations and most of this is myth and misinformation from people who do not bother to find out the facts. It has constantly been shown that having a workforce that is vaccinated reduces the downtime of any business and therefore increases profitability.

• By encouraging a healthy and more productive workplace you are investing in your employees and at the same time your business
• You and your employees will benefit from a reduction in lost work days so increased income
• Your other employees will not have to work harder to compensate for absent workmates because of the flu or other illnesses so your staff will be happier
• Offering vaccinations during work time shows that you are committed to the wellbeing of your employees
• You will have an improved business reputation, because your business is stable
• If your employees travel to other states or countries is estimated that 50% of them will experience some health issues. Being vaccinated can dramatically decrease their chances of becoming ill while traveling. Routine vaccinations should be carried out every year to ensure they are properly covered
• Many diseases that have been eliminated in Australia are still present in many other countries and international travelers are at greater risk because they have no natural immunity in foreign lands
• Offering educational programs to employees so they are aware of the benefits to themselves and their families is a good business strategy. Once you have them interested offer their immediate family vaccinations
• Flu vaccinations can help stop the spread of the flu, which is easily transmitted in a family settings
• Encourage healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle with all your employees

Arrange events to help encourage their healthy lifestyle, such as:

1. Have walking staff and company meeting where the whole meeting walks together in outside
2. Install employee showers and a mini gym at work or make a place where employees can keep their bike if they ride to work
3. Create a lunch time exercise group
4. Organise fun runs and competitions with other businesses

Have a healthy staff Cafeteria

1. Provide healthy cafeteria meals
2. Only have healthy snacks available in vending machines
3. Provide a staff kitchen where your employees can cook their own healthy meals

Encourage proper hygiene and ensure there is always proper garbage bins available as well as having the rest rooms regularly cleaned and maintained.

Encourage mental health by giving proper breaks and trying to reduce employee stress levels.

Every business, no matter what size they are, can benefit if their employees regularly get their flu vaccinations on the Gold Coast. It is also a good opportunity to introduce a healthy regime throughout the workplace and also have your staff vaccinated for any other recommended health issues.

Five Myths and Facts about the Flu Shot

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the flu shot and the flu or influenza. Our local Corporate Flu Shot Providers on The Gold Coast explain why the top five of them that have been discredited:

1. Myth- The flu is not that serious, it’s just a bad cold

Incorrect: The fact is that the influenza is an often severe and a potentially life threatening disease that is known to kill over half a million people around the world each year. It is responsible for hundreds and thousands of sick days and places many thousands of people in the hospital each year. This resulting in the loss of millions of dollars worth of lost work and income.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract and if not treated can attack other organs in the body causing severe complications.

2. Myth- The flu is a normal and natural condition, most people can expect to get the flu each year, so healthy people do not need a flu shot.

Incorrect: Most people can easily avoid getting the flu by having an annual flu Vaccination the best time is May to June, but the flu is active year round so it is never too late to have your flu shot.

3. Myth- Having a flu shot can cause a person to get the flu

Incorrect: The flu shots administered by corporate flu shot providers on The Gold Coast do not contain any living viruses, so it is impossible for them to cause the flu. What the vaccine contains stimulates the immune system which in some people can cause some temporary mild flu like symptoms.

4. Myth- The flu shot is only necessary for high risk and elderly patients.

Incorrect: Influenza affects people of all ages and levels of health, it does not discriminate between young or old people, it poses a real risk to everyone. Any person who does not want to become affected by the flu is advised to get a flu shot every year.

5. Myth- Because a person was vaccinated last year they are ok and do not need to be vaccinated this year

Incorrect: Every year, influenza changes or mutates so there are different types or strains circulating every flu season. Every flu season a new vaccine is manufactured so that it is up to date and provides the best possible cover for those vaccinated. It is important that everyone who is six months or older gets a flu shot each year to help stop the spread of this virus in the community.

Once vaccinated, it takes two weeks before full immunity develops and then the protection declines over time, so a yearly flu shot is needed for a person to have the optimum available protection.

Having your annual flu shot helps prevent the spread of this nasty virus in our community. Everyone from 6 months old including the elderly and pregnant or expectant mothers are strongly advised to have their flu shots. There is no factual evidence to show it has any detrimental effect at all.

Why A Corporate Flu Shot Is Important

Having a flu shot is the best way to avoid the flu. Studies have revealed that vaccinated workers on average require under half the amount of sick days required each year by those who are unvaccinated. Many Australian companies from areas such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and on the Gold Coast use flu shots as an effective strategy that helps to reduce incidents of sick leave as well as helping to increase productivity as a result.

• Many employees ask why get a flu shot? The answer is, of course, so you don’t get the flu! A corporate flu shot, even with very healthy people will stimulate your body to build up your immunity against the flu.

• Influenza is always very contagious and with new strains developing each year, it is always around, but seems to be more prevalent in the winter months.

• Corporate flu shot providers on the Gold Coast can help to protect you and your family as epidemics break out every year and often occur in workplaces. The virus is quickly spreading, especially with the way most workers are very mobile, moving around in the Australian population.

• Having the flu is an awful feeling that can lead to serious complications if not treated So seeing a corporate flu shot providers will help in minimizing the risk and therefore is a sensible precaution.

• During the flu season between 5 to 20% of the population will contract influenza and thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications associated with it.

• Each year it is estimated the flu cost over 110million work days or about $7 billion sick days and lost productivity which makes flu season a corporate concern.

• Corporate flu shot providers can be found in most health care providers and doctors rooms around the Gold Coast. Having a yearly flu shot means you are always protected.

• Having all employees vaccinated with a corporate flu shot in the workplace is convenient and effective as well as a valid corporate wellness program strategy, as it helps to relieve the stress flu season can have on many companies and their workers.

• There are many misconceptions about flu shots and their effectiveness, but the anti-vax myths all lack any valid scientific evidence. There is plenty of evidence that shows that the flu shot from corporate flu shot providers has helped save thousands of people from complications caused by the influenza virus.

• Apart from the benefit of not getting the flu, vaccination education helps to introduce people to better hygienic practices and presents a unique opportunity to introduce employees to ideas on healthy diets, exercise and how to relieve work and other types of stress.

Those employees who decide to participate in vaccine related education programs often have a positive attitude to other corporate wellness activities that can be sponsored as well as or alongside the programs.

Having your annual flu shot is an almost painless, sensible and inexpensive measure that can not only prevent you from getting the flu, but can help stop the spread of it to others. The benefits to everyone are a huge saving in personal health lost wages and production.

Does Your Child Need a Flu Shot?

There are a lot of people asking if their children are generally healthy, do they really need a flu shot and the short answer is yes, they do! Not having your child vaccinated could potentially place them in real danger. It is estimated that over 20,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized each flu season.

This is because children are at a greater risk of catching the flu and having complications than any other group. This is especially so in school or childcare where a flu shot is very important to protect your child and any other children they come into contact with.

•   Children between 6 months and 18 years should be vaccinated each year.
•   Parents and all the people who have close contact with children should also be vaccinated, including all  child workers school teachers and those in the public service. This is especially important for people who care for children under 6 months old.
•   Children between 6 months and 9 years old who are having a flu shot for the first time will need to have two doses, one month apart. The first of the doses introduces the virus into the child’s system and the second dose gives them the immunity they need.

    Kids that are at the greatest risk and need to be vaccinated include any children with the following chronic health conditions:

•    Asthma or any other type of lung or allergic conditions
•    Any condition that affects their breathing
•    Those with a weakened immune system
•    Those with a kidney problem or disease
•    Those suffering from high blood pressure or Heart Disease
•    HIV/AIDS
•    Any diabetic condition
• ·  Any long term medications like aspirin

Every year the flu virus mutates and there is a different strain, so each year new enhanced vaccines that are developed to target the new strain that you are likely to encounter which is why it is important to have a new flu shot at the start of every flu season. This is at the end of April to the end of May, but this can vary so even if you are late getting the family flu shots it is still important to have that protection.

Unborn and pregnant women are also considered to have a high risk of developing severe complications so are advised to have an early vaccination and those women who are likely to become pregnant during the flu season are also advised to become covered by having a flu shot.

Once your child is vaccinated, it will take 2 weeks before they are fully protected from influenza so consult your child’s doctor if you suspect there are any complications such as your child not feeling well or if they have an egg allergy or any other condition that you think may affect them.

If you do not have your child vaccinated:

•   Your children aged between 2 to 5 years old are more likely to need urgent medical attention from a doctor or emergency room
•   Children are by far the biggest spreaders of influenza. This is because often they forget to practice good hand hygiene and are usually exposed to a lot of other people. Children are more susceptible to the flu virus than adults and share it more readily.