The Flu Vaccine: Why It’s Still Important

Influenza, or the Flu, is a highly contagious disease that has been around for many years. Anyone can catch it, and, in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

In 2019, Australia experienced its worst Flu season on record, with more than 310 000 infected people seeking medical care. Flu cases have lowered since then but influenza continues to cause hospitalisations, GP visits and death each year. While behaviours such as hand washing and social distancing helped to stop the spread of the Flu in 2020, relaxed measures may see Flu viruses recirculating this year.

What is the Flu?

The Flu is a respiratory illness which is easily passed from one person to another. There are different types of influenza, but the main variants are types A, B and C. Most people who have the Flu, particularly here in Australia, have influenza type A.

Influenza types A and B are constantly changing. New vaccines are developed each year to cover the new strains and variants. Although you catch the Flu at any time of the year, peak infection time is typically in the Winter months.

How does the Flu vaccine work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body which provide protection against infection. Each year the vaccine protects against the virus strains which researchers estimate will be most common. This typically covers three or four strains of the virus. In Australia, the vaccine funded for the National Immunisation Program contains the two strains of Influenza A and B most commonly circulating.

Vaccination prevents Flu illness in up to six out of ten healthy adults under the age of 65. Due to the varying nature of the Flu viruses, the vaccine isn’t effective in absolutely every case. But, if people catch the virus after having the Flu shot, the risk of serious illness is reduced.

Signs and symptoms of the Flu

Signs of influenza are similar to a common cold but are usually more severe. Symptoms include:

· Runny nose

· Fatigue

· Body aches and pains

· Fever and chills

· Cough

· Sore throat

· Gastrointestinal issues

· Headaches.

COVID-19 and the Flu

COVID-19 and the Flu spread in similar ways, however they are caused by different viruses. Many of the symptoms are also similar including cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose and fatigue. However, COVID-19 appears to be more contagious and can cause more serious illness. Flu symptoms typically appear 1-4 days after exposure, while COVID-19 symptoms generally appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Separate vaccines are now available to protect you from both influenza and COVID-19. It’s important to note that these are two different vaccines, and you need both to protect you from these illnesses. It must also be noted that these vaccinations cannot be done on the same day. There is a minimum 14-day interval required between the two types of vaccine. So for many adults, this will mean 3 separate vaccinations this year.

While much of the world is currently focused on COVID-19 infections, the Flu is still circulating in the community and can be very dangerous.

Who should get the vaccine and why?

Experts recommend all people aged over 6 months should receive an annual Flu vaccination. However, some groups are at greater risk of developing serious illness or complications from Flu viruses and these groups have access to free vaccination each year in Australia. This includes:

Pregnant women

Influenza during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mothers and their unborn babies. Immunisation protects both the mother and the baby. As babies can’t receive the vaccine until they are six months old, immunisation during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against the Flu.

Older adults

The risk of complications from Flu infection increases as people age. Older adults tend to have weaker immune systems so vaccination against the Flu is recommended.

Health care workers

Health care workers are at increased risk of catching the Flu due to the nature of their work. They can also spread the Flu to vulnerable patients in their care if they are not protected against the virus.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The Flu and other vaccine preventable diseases cause a higher disease burden in Indigenous adults compared to non-Indigenous adults. For this reason, the Flu and other vaccines are provided free of charge to this group.

Children aged 6 months to 5 years

Flu is more common in children and is the cause for high hospitalisation rates in this group. Children are also prolific spreaders of the Flu so vaccination can help prevent spread in the community.

Those with pre-existing illness

People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, HIV or have a weakened immune system should receive a Flu vaccination each year. The risk of complications and serious illness from the Flu is higher in these groups.

How can Peregian Family Medical Centre help?

With the perpetuation of COVID-19, it’s important not to become complacent about the seriousness of influenza. Vaccinations for influenza are available from April each year and are recommended at this time to protect you before the peak Flu season in the Winter months. Vaccinations are available via child health clinics, pharmacies, at medical centres and sometimes even via your workplace.

Book a consult with Peregian Family Medical Centre to learn more about the Flu vaccine or to book your vaccination appointment today.