Influenza
Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a highly infectious illness caused by the influenza virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.
For most people, flu is an unpleasant illness but it is not serious. If you are otherwise healthy, you will usually recover from flu within a week.
However, some people are at greater risk of developing serious complications when contracting flu such as bronchitis (an infection of the main airways of the lungs) or pneumonia (a lung infection), which may require hospital treatment. If you are one of these at-risk people, it is recommended that you get the flu vaccination.
How do I know if I am at-risk?
- If you are pregnant (including women who become pregnant during the flu season);
- If you have a weakened immune system as a result of a recent illness or HIV/Aids;
- If you are older than 65 years of age;
- if you are living in long-term frail care;
- If you are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact.
Who should not get vaccinated against influenza?
You should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician if:
- You have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
- You have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past;
- You have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (wait until you are fully recovered);
- You have a history of Guillain Barré-Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving the influenza vaccine;
- You are younger than six months of age.
When should you go for your Flu Vaccine?
- The best time is in March or April.