The NT Department of Health is issuing a warning to Territorians that the flu season is just around the corner.
Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the Centre for Disease Control, said influenza notifications are increasing in some areas of the NT and it is likely to spread to other parts of the Territory in the next few weeks
“The flu season is well and truly established in the rest of Australia,” she said.
“Once the season starts flu travels and spreads easily. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from influenza infection.”
It is important for everyone to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection such as coughing or sneezing into your upper arm, and washing your hands frequently.
Vaccination is a key line of defence and we urge people who have not received the 2015 flu vaccine to take this opportunity to do so now.
Dr Krause said it takes two weeks for the body to produce a protective immune response after getting their flu injection.
“Flu vaccinations need to be updated each year, so if you received the vaccine in 2014 you still need this year’s vaccine to ensure you’re protected.” The influenza vaccine does not contain any live virus, so you cannot catch the flu from the vaccine.
Flu can be very severe and debilitating and should be taken seriously.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus infection that causes fever, runny nose, headache and severe muscle aches. People often end up in bed for several days and some people can develop serious complications requiring hospitalisation. Deaths do occur from influenza. Although anti-viral medication can be given once someone has developed the flu, vaccination is the best way to stop you from catching it.
The advice to be vaccinated applies particularly to people at increased risk of serious complications of influenza. The main at-risk groups include pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged 6 months to <5 years and 15 years of age and over, anyone 65 years and over and anyone 6 months and over with chronic medical conditions including those with diabetes, kidney, heart or lung diseases and people with impaired immunity from medication or cancer.
“Everyone who wants to protect themselves from influenza should be vaccinated. See your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are unvaccinated so you can get your flu vaccine on board to protect yourself and the community from the spread of influenza infection."
For further information about Influenza and the vaccine, please visit here or speak to your health provider.
Media contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818