SURVIVE THE FLU SEASON
Ways to stay healthy this flu season.
WE all know how contagious flu is and each year, more and more people are being diagnosed with the virus. As a pharmacist, here are my top tips to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge on how to take care of your health this flu season.
1. GET VACCINATED
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for all Australians. Be sure to get an updated vaccination every year as the virus strains change. The flu vaccine gives most protection in the first three or four months after it is administered but it’s best to get it at the earliest available opportunity, in case you forget to do it later.
People often mistakenly assume the vaccine gives you the flu and will make you sick. The influenza virus contained in the flu vaccine cannot infect you with the flu. Some people experience flu-like symptoms after receiving a flu vaccination. These symptoms are usually mild and may be due to contracting a cold, or the vaccine triggering your immune response as it is designed to do. Throughout Australia, trained pharmacists are approved to provide influenza vaccines in their premises as a vaccination service to the community. Discount Drug Store’s instore flu vaccinations are conducted by qualified pharmacists or nurse practitioners.
Special patient groups are also eligible to receive the influenza vaccination subsidized under the Governmentfunded National Immunization Program.
2. STAY HYGIENIC
Even if you’ve had a flu vaccination, you can still catch a cold. Being extra vigilant when it comes to hygiene can minimize your chances of catching a cold or limit the likelihood of you passing your cold on to friends and co-workers.
The flu virus can easily spread by handshaking and is most commonly caught through the nose and eyes.
This flu season make sure to use disposable tissues and disinfect surfaces which are exposed to germs such as computer keyboards, your phone or steering wheel. Remember to wash your hands regularly. Hand sanitizer is a useful way to maintain hygiene, but it doesn’t replace proper hand washing with soap and running water.
3. STAY STRESS FREE
Your immune system is your body’s first line of defence against invading bacteria,
Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and running water.
viruses and other pathogens. Cortisol is a ‘stress hormone’ produced when the body is in danger and responds with the ‘fight or flight’ mode. Small bursts of cortisol are necessary to reduce inflammation in the body. This is a good thing, but only in the short-term. Over long periods of time, chronic stress causes chronic inflammation of the body tissues and suppresses the number of immune cells (lymphocytes) needed to fight infection. Thus, staying stress free and reducing stress which is the first step in keeping your immune system working well, you will be less susceptible to colds and flu. While none of us can completely eliminate stress from our lives, there are lots of ways to minimize its impact on our mind and body.
4. TREAT YOUR SYMPTOMS
If you do get a cold – don’t stress. Cough and cold medicines are available to help fight illness, but these work best when selected for your specific symptoms. Be sure to explain what symptoms you are experiencing to your pharmacist, who can help you select the right treatment for you.
While these tips may not work for everyone, they will put you in good stead come flu season. If you’re interested in knowing more about the flu vaccine or medications to help fight off a cold seek expert advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
For more information, or to find out how to manage your symptoms, visit your local pharmacy or Discount Drug Stores.
Melissa Hui is a qualified Pharmacist with over 10 years’ experience in community pharmacy and is a Professional Services Pharmacist for the National Discount Drug Stores Franchise Support Office.