A little jab will do you
It’s been described as our worst ever flu season and doctors are urging Queenslanders to get immunised immediately to avoid the worst of the illness.
THE flu season isn’t over yet, as more people are struck down in what is being described as the state’s worst ever flu season.
Doctors are urging Queenslanders to get the flu jab immediately to avoid the worst of the illness.
Cairns mum Jessica Leonard said her doctor recommended she prepare for the season because she had a 10month-old baby.
“I got my shot because I wanted to prevent being sick,” she said.
“Being around children and babies a lot, it’s important to be healthy.”
She said the move had paid off with little Aria staying almost flu-free all year.
“She’s been mostly fine with just a little runny nose this year,” she said.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Bill Boyd said the flu season still had a good few weeks to run.
“The vaccine takes two to three weeks to reach maximum effectiveness and the season has yet to reach its peak. So get a flu jab if you haven’t already,” he said.
“The vaccine is free for the over-65s, pregnant women and patients with specific medical conditions, including cardiac disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions.
“These groups should make an appointment to see their family doctor without delay.
“Most people will recover from flu after a few days, but vulnerable patients can become seriously ill and require hospitalisation.”
He said anyone with the flu should head straight to their family GP.
“Emergency departments are busy at the best of times and right now hospital doctors and their health service colleagues are fully stretched,” Dr Boyd said.
“If you have a medical problem your first course of action should always be to consult your family doctor.”
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