Last year, Australia had a historically low number of flu infections from borders closing and mandatory quarantine on arrival. While this sounds positive, it means that less of us are now naturally immune to influenza.

 

Now that borders are open again and less movement restrictions, we may be in for a potentially dangerous flu season this year. The good news is, we can protect ourselves and others by doing our part and getting a flu shot.

Many people think the flu is just "a bad cold." Whilst they are both spread by respiratory droplets (so, coughing and sneezing), they are two separate viruses with different symptoms. A cold will often cause a sore throat and runny nose, but influenza will generally induce high fevers, muscle aches and significant lethargy. Influenza can also lead to further complications like pneumonia and sepsis.

 

This is where vaccines come in – they help us protect ourselves and those around us by lowering our risk of contracting influenza. They work similarly to helmets and seat belts – while the flu jab isn't a failsafe against contracting the virus, you're less likely to get severely sick and suffer from more severe symptoms.

I explain vaccinations to my patients like this: a vaccine provides your body with a glimpse of a particular virus or bacteria, so it can produce specific antibodies to combat it. If you contract influenza after being vaccinated, your body can better deal with the infection because it's had a taste of that same virus before – which means you have a lower risk of falling sick.

 

Most vaccines in Australia protect against four different strains of influenza. These strains change every year depending on what is likely to circulate in the community. While the contents can vary slightly between different brands of flu vaccine, all of them offer the same degree of protection.

 

A flu jab contains inactivated (dead) influenza virus strains, which means you can't get sick from the vaccination itself. Getting a flu shot can cause some minor side effects like a sore arm or slight muscle aches, but its benefits far outweigh the risks. This goes double if you spend lots of time with vulnerable individuals; for example, children under five, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.

After getting your flu shot, it takes two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, so it’s a good idea to get your jab before peak flu season. In Australia, this usually takes place from June to September.

 

The effectiveness of the flu jab tends to wane after three to four months, so I recommend vaccinating yearly before the peak of flu season to ensure adequate protection. Influenza vaccinations are also readily available – you can get them at your local GP or pharmacy. Lots of workplaces now also offer the flu vaccine for staff members too.

 

Remember, getting vaccinated isn't just for your health – it's also for the safety of your loved ones and the community.