News

MBH Staff roll up their sleeves for flu vax

Fri, 03 May 2019 05:35:00

Staff at Mildura Base Hospital began rolling up their sleeves for flu vaccinations this week – and they’re urging community members also not to delay in getting the flu shot.

This week is World Vaccination Week, but also marks the beginning of the Mildura Base Hospital annual campaign to ensure the vast majority of staff are vaccinated against this year’s flu strains.
“We’re aiming to have 85 percent of our staff vaccinated and we’re starting now to ensure our staff have good immunity in the peak of the season,” said MBH Infection and Prevention Control Coordinator Leanne Dellar.
“We’re seeing an increase in flu-like illness through our Emergency Department already and during April we had 14 high-risk patients admitted for a stay in hospital with Influenza A,” Ms Dellar said.
“Current predictions are that this year’s flu season will be worse than last year and we would simply encourage people to get their annual flu shot anytime from now on.”
MBH Director of Pharmacy Ben Marchant said the staff fluvax program aimed to protect staff, their families and the vulnerable people being cared for at the hospital.
“The flu isn’t like the common cold. It is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, including pneumonia,” he said.
“You never forget the flu. It can hit quickly and last for weeks, it doesn’t discriminate, and anyone can be affected.
“But vaccination is the best way to avoid the flu and if you get your annual flu shot from now, you’ll be protected for the peak season, which is generally June to September.”
Ms Dellar said it was particularly important for vulnerable groups to be vaccinated.
“People 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,” she said.
“The flu shot is now available from general practitioners, community immunisation sessions and many pharmacies.”

Do your bit to stop the spread of flu

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands regularly.
• If you use a tissue, make sure you dispose of it into a bin nearby and then wash your hands thoroughly.
• Our hands are one of the top spreaders of germs and viruses. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water at regular intervals throughout the day is a quick and easy way to help stop the spread of the flu.
• Most adults are contagious around 3–5 days from when the first symptoms appear, and up to seven days in younger children, so the best way to avoid spreading the flu is to stay at home while you are unwell. Avoid going to work or school or visiting busy public places and vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly.
• If you do get the flu, the best things you can do to look after yourself are to rest, stay at home and drink plenty of fluids. If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so they can ensure there’s no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.
• For more information visit  www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu