Influenza vaccination NOW AVAILABLE.

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Influenza (the Flu)

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is most often caused by type A or B (rarely C) influenza viruses that infect the upper airways and lungs. Most flu cases in Australia occur during winter. In tropical and subtropical areas, like Queensland though, the flu is common all year round.

The flu is very serious. For young kids, especially children under 5, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease, it can result in hospitalisation or worse.

Most people recover from the flu within a week, although a cough and tiredness can last longer. Serious complications of flu occur in a small number of people. These include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart muscle and neurologic complications.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of getting flu and its possible complications. Being vaccinated builds immunity to the virus and helps prevent transmission of the virus to other people. It is recommended annually for anyone over 6 months of age.

It is extremely important for children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age and those who are in a high-risk group to be vaccinated. It is proven to reduce risk of contracting the flu and suffering from its possible complications.

Flu is more common in children. The flu also causes one of the highest rates of hospitalisation for children under 5, compared to other preventable diseases in this age group. Complications include pneumonia, convulsions and, while rare, encephalitis (life-threatening brain inflammation).

Children also contribute greatly to spreading the flu. Vaccinating children protects the wider community and those who are vulnerable to serious complications. This includes babies, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions.

The flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone over 6 months of age and is available free under the National Immunisation Program for high-risk groups. These include:

• children aged between 6 months to under 5 years of age
• people aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
• pregnant women
• people over 6 months with a medical condition that can lead to complications from the flu.

The strains used in seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines can change each year depending on which viruses are predicted by experts to be circulating in the community. For this reason, everyone 6 months and above should get a new flu vaccine every year. Getting the flu vaccine once they are available from your local doctor or immunisation provider will provide protection for the flu season, which in Queensland is typically from June to September with the peak usually in August.