Australia in the grip of horror flu season as death toll rises

Did you know that more than 25 people have been killed by the flu virus in Queensland and about 17 people in South Australia last year? The numbers which might apparently not very dangerous have still created a stir of horror because the flu season has just started and if people fail to understand the importance of vaccination, these numbers can rise. The places like Dural medical Centre offers flu vaccination from the health authorities and has repeatedly urged the people to get the flu vaccination. This is because there has been prediction that more than 4000 Australians can be affected fatally from influenza in the coming season. The peak flu season runs from July to October in Queensland but it is important to get prepared with the vaccination much before.

Heading for a bad flu season

There have been predictions by the health experts that about 4,000 people can die from the complications of Influenza and the other related infections if they do not have the proper vaccination. There were more than 40,000 laboratory confirmed cases about influenza in 2019 which is about thrice the number of times than what was recorded in the past couple of years. Influenza is a viral infection which badly affects the respiratory system that is the nose, throat and lungs.

Symptoms of flu

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common ones but if not treated properly it can even become life threatening. Experts from Immunisation Coalition have constantly requested people to get the vaccination done before the winter flu peak season starts.

How can you protect you and your family?

The answer is to get vaccinated on time. Vaccination is the perfect way to protect both adults and children from any form of illness of flu and its associated conditions. To protect yourself and your family properly, this vaccination should be taken every year. This is because, the virus for influenza is constantly changing and so the flu vaccine also needs to change. Seasonal influenza vaccines are also available for people and you can get it for free on the scheme of national immunization programme. This has two new vaccines that provide protection for people who are more than 65 years old.

National immunization program

You can get free vaccine under the national immunization program. It is available for people were most likely to be affected by the complications from influenza when you have the flu vaccines on time it is is possible to reduce the risk of the illness hospitalization and eventual death in fact it has also been shown that the flu vaccine can save health care resources for the care of patients who are suffering from coronavirus. People over the age of 65 are most likely to be affected by the complications of seasonal flu and can receive the free vaccine from National immunization programme. Pregnant women are also likely to be affected by the complications and must get the vaccination done before the flu season starts. It protects the pregnant women and the unborn baby during the first few months, otherwise there are chances that the baby in the womb also get affected by the infection. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get the flu shot for free for those who are six months to less than 5 years old and those who are 15 years and up. Lastly, people with the medical conditions such as with heart disease, severe asthma, chronic lung conditions, nervous system issues, impaired immunity, diabetes, kidney disease and blood disorders can get it for free.