Getting the influenza (flu) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and other people from getting the flu.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together an overview on how the vaccine works, potential side effects, and the latest health advice for people getting vaccinated in Australia.
If you’re ready to get vaccinated at Brecken Health Bunbury, you can book a flu vaccination appointment online or by calling (08) 9791 8133.
What is the flu?
Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that is highly contagious. There are two main types of the flu virus:
- Type A, which is the most common type that both people and animals can catch and spread between each other.
- Type B, a less-common type which only spreads between people.
Both types are responsible for causing seasonal outbreaks and flu epidemics, and can have potentially serious impacts on your health.
Symptoms of the flu
Fly symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between children and adults, but can include some of the following:
- Fever and chills
- A sore throat and cough
- A runny or congested nose and sneezing
- Body aches, fatigue, and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Most people tend to recover from the flu within a few days or weeks, however some people may develop breathing difficulties or more serious complications such as pneumonia.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine works by exposing your body to a small, harmless protein from the flu virus. This triggers your immune system to produce antibodies which are able to recognise and defend your body against the flu virus.
A common myth that you might have heard is that the flu shot can give you the flu. This is not possible, as the vaccine only contains an inactivated version of the virus – it does not contain the live virus that infects you with the flu.
While being vaccinated won’t always prevent you from getting the flu, it does help reduce the severity of illness and risk of being hospitalised for any complications.
Some potential side effects of the flu vaccine can include mild fever; drowsiness; muscle and body aches; and pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
In Australia, anyone aged 6 months and older is recommended to get the flu vaccine, with some rare exceptions.
If you have any concerns about getting the vaccine, or if you have certain allergies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or have had previous adverse reactions to vaccines, please speak to one of our doctors for more advice.
When and how often should I get the flu vaccine?
In Australia, it is recommended to get the vaccine in April or May, so that your immunity is at its highest during the following winter months.
Because your immunity to the virus will wane over time, and the virus is always changing, it is recommended to get an annual flu vaccination so that you are fully protected against the newest strains of the virus each season.
How else can I protect myself during the flu season?
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are some simple ways to reduce the risk of catching the flu or infecting others around you:
- Practise good hygiene by regularly washing or sanitising your hands, and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.
- If you currently have the flu, stay home or try to limit going out in public.
- If you do need to go out, wear a mask and keep your distance from other people.
Book your flu vaccination at our Bunbury practice
Protect yourself this flu season by getting vaccinated at our Bunbury clinic. Book your flu vaccination online today.