We’ve had a record Summer flu season this year – with a whopping 27,540 confirmed cases of influenza reported between January and April.
In fact, it’s the highest rate of flu we’ve ever seen in the Summer months (ahead of the actual winter flu season between June and September).
This is a particularly serious issue for aged care residents. Between January and March there were 17 outbreaks of flu in aged care homes across NSW alone – which killed seven people and affected 174.
Older Australians are at high risk from the flu. Their weakened immune systems can struggle to fight symptoms, leaving them unprotected. And with such high rates before official flu season even starts – it’s important we’re all putting our safety (and that of our older loved ones) first.
According to Health Direct, most people will develop immunity two to three weeks after getting the flu vaccine and it provides the best protection within three to four months of being vaccinated.
More than 250,000 flu vaccines have been given out across Australia so far this year – so right now is the perfect time to go and get yours!
The vaccine is free for anyone aged over-65, pregnant women, Aboriginal Australians and people with certain severe health conditions.
Talk to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit Health Direct’s free service finder today to find out where you can get your shot to keep you (and those around you) safe this Winter flu season.
