News

Mallee residents, don't forget your flu shot!

Sun, 05 May 2019 14:17:00

Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) catchment residents are being urged to protect themselves against the flu this winter and get their flu shot.

The flu isn’t like the common cold, it can hit quickly and last for a few weeks, meaning time off work or school and staying away from family and friends. MTHCS wants to help ensure all Victorians know what steps they can take to help prevent getting and spreading the flu.
For vulnerable Victorians, like children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system, the flu can have serious and devastating outcomes. When more people are vaccinated, fewer people become ill or suffer life-threatening complications from influenza.
MTHCS Director of Medical Services Dr Mau Wee advises that everyone should get their annual flu shot: “We are already seeing flu presentations much earlier and more severe this year, so it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible.”
The Victorian State Government recommends that anytime from mid-April onwards to be the ideal time to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The flu shot is now available from MTHCS Medical Clinics at Sea Lake and Ouyen, community immunisation sessions and many pharmacies.
Some of our most vulnerable Victorians will be protected with a free flu shot. All Victorians over 65, children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and anyone with a chronic condition or weakened immune system are all eligible for a free flu vaccine.
“The flu is a highly contagious viral infection, spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. Please exercise caution to prevent the spread of the flu,” he added.
There are some other easy steps everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading the flu, such as coughing or sneezing into your elbow and washing your hands thoroughly. If you’re sick, stay away from work and other places where you’ll spread the flu.
If you’ve got the flu or want to know more about the flu vaccine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, or phone Nurse-On-Call. For more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu