5 truths about getting sick

1

EVEN IF YOU’RE RARELY ILL, A FLU SHOT IS RECOMMENDED

It can protect you but, just as important, the shot lowers the odds that you’ll pass influenza germs to kids and those who are immunocompromised. The Australian Government’s Department of Health recommends vaccination for everyone over six months. Those eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those who suffer chronic conditions and, for the first time, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months old.

It’s important to get a flu shot every year, as the virus changes each year. Most people will develop immunity within two to three weeks of vaccination. As influenza usually occurs from June, with the peak around August, vaccinating now will allow you to develop immunity before the flu season is at its peak.

2

SELF-PAMPERING CAN HELP YOU STAY WELL

Whether it’s yoga, a Netflix binge or seeing only your least dramatic friends, use your relaxation technique of choice liberally. Chronic stress increases your risk of getting sick.

3

YOU CAN’T GET THE SAME COLD TWICE

That means your husband won’t reinfect you with the cold you gave him – once you fight it off, you’re immune. The bummer? It’s possible to catch a different cold virus right after you’re over the first one.

4

IT’S OKAY TO SNUGGLE WITH YOUR PETS

A little sympathy from your fur babies is great when you feel like rubbish, so go ahead and cuddle up, says preventive medicine expert Dr William Schaffner. It’s very unlikely that you will pass a cold or flu to one another, he says.

5

THERE’S NO NEED TO TOSS YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

The brush you used while you had a cold cannot reinfect you, say researchers, because you’ve got immunity to that particular virus.