From the Community Health Nurse
Influenza
Influenza, or the ‘flu’ is caused by an influenza virus. It is spread through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. It is also spread by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, fever, headache, chills, tiredness and muscle aches.
People with the flu should rest and drink plenty of fluid. Use paracetamol in recommended doses if necessary - but do not give children any medication containing aspirin.
Be sure to keep your child home from school while they are sick.
The best way to prevent flu from spreading is by washing your hands regularly and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
Flu vaccines are available prior to winter starting. For more information, contact your GP or local Immunisation Clinic.
Why should I consider having my child vaccinated against the flu?
The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia's peak body for health advice, recommends annual vaccination for anyone six months of age or older who wants to reduce their chances of becoming ill with the flu.
Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended for anyone six months of age or older with a medical condition that places them at higher risk of severe illness from flu. Children and adults with heart, lung or kidney disease or a weakened immune system, are eligible for free flu vaccine through the National Immunisation Program.
Children without underlying medical conditions who become infected with flu can also develop serious illnesses. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. Flu can also cause convulsions and diarrhoea in young children.
Influenza viruses are always changing. Each year scientists try to match the strains of influenza viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu illnesses that year. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination against flu and protection lasts about a year.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available on prescription or via GP and immunisation clinics and is provided free for certain groups. Flu vaccines are available prior to winter starting. For more information visit healthywa.wa.gov.au/immunisation or contact your GP or Immunisation Clinic.
Louise Jonker
Community Health Nurse