It’s that time of year again where we start getting ready for flu season at Kambu Health.
We have our merchandise (bucket hats, tote bags and even bouncy balls) and our Flu clinics ready to go and we are encouraging ALL of our clients and community to get vaccinated against flu for 2024.
Getting the flu shot as early as possible (usually in April) can help us all get ahead in protecting ourselves and each other.
Kambu Health Ipswich Clinic have our annual Pop-Up Flu Clinic, Saturday 20 April 2024 to protect you this Winter with a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccination... and enjoy a sausage sizzle and a drink after your vax. Save the date, Saturday 20 April 2024 – 9:00am – 3:00pm !!
The Flu shot is safe and effective. It helps stop Flu in its tracks or at least give you an easier run if you do get it. It keeps people out of hospital and even saves lives.
So what are you waiting for?
Speak to your GP or health worker today about getting protected from Flu for 2024!
(Kids between 6 months and 9 years old should get a 2nd dose of the flu vaccine 4 weeks after the first if this is the first year they have had the vaccine to make sure they get the protection they need).
What is ‘The Flu’?
Influenza (‘the flu’) is caused by the Influenza virus.
Flu can present with a fever, cough, muscle and joint pains, a sore throat, runny nose, headache, vomiting and generally feeling tired and sick.
How does it Spread?
Flu spreads easily from person to person, through coughs, sneezes and even touching surfaces with the virus on it.
The people most at risk in our community include Elders, kids under 5, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic health condition (like diabetes or asthma). But even otherwise healthy people can get a nasty hit from the flu.
What to Expect if you get the Flu
Most people get better in around 2-7 days. You may feel worse after 1-2 days and then slowly get better from there. A dry cough can go on (& on!) for a couple of weeks.
Most people will get better on their own but in some cases, Flu can lead to serious illness and even life-threatening complications.
What to do with Flu
- Rest, rest, rest
- Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can help with the fever and aches and pains that come with Flu
- Drink lots of water
- Some people who are high risk of complications will be recommended to take Antiviral medicine, speak to your GP if you think you or loved one may benefit.
- Please note that Antibiotics will not help fight the flu as it is a viral illness, not a bacterial one.
- Throat lozenges, sinus flushes or decongestant medicine can help. Cough medicine is not usually recommended.
When to seek help
- Most people make a full recovery and don’t need to see a doctor
- High risk patients should book a phone review with your usual GP or call 13HEALTH
- Call 000 if you or your loved one is very unwell e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever