All of Real Health Management’s staff have completed the immunisation course set by SA Health, and work to the guidelines of a Standing Drug Order set by our Medical Practitioner. We offer Influenza Vaccinations to businesses throughout South Australia.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza A, B, or rarely C viruses. In Australia, seasonal flus of varying severities occur every year, usually between May and September.
How Influenza is Spread
When an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing infectious agents make their way into the air, and work to spread the disease easily and rapidly when breathed in by those nearby. Infection may also be spread through contact with hands, tissues, and other articles soiled by infected nose and throat discharge.
Signs & Symptoms
- Rapid onset of fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Running nose
- Sore throat
- Constant cough
Influenza & Pregnancy
Pregnant women in particular must take preventative measures to avoid severe complications that result from influenza, often occurring in the second and third trimesters. While the flu cannot access the placenta and infect the baby directly, the high fever and chest complications stemming from influenza can be harmful to an unborn child. A doctor may recommend antiviral medication for pregnant women with the flu, which can be without any proven adverse effects, even when breastfeeding. However, prevention is the best medicine, which can be achieved through a subsidised flu vaccination at Real Health Management.
Incubation Period
This refers to the time between becoming infected, and developing symptoms. This is an average of 2 days, but can range from 1 to 4 days.
Infectious Period
This is the period in which an infected person can infect others. This generally encompasses 1 day before the initial onset of symptoms, until 7 days’ post onset. After 5 days, the degree of contagiousness is often very low. However, those with weaker immune systems such as the young, the elderly, and the ill, may be more susceptible to influenza.
Prevention
- Exclude people with flu from childcare, preschool, school and work until there has been no fever for 24 hours (without using a fever reducing medicine such as paracetamol).
- Wash hands thoroughly as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing and after contact with nose and throat discharges – or articles soiled by these. Use soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub.
- Wipe down all frequently touched surfaces regularly with a cleaning cloth dampened with detergent, or a large alcohol wipe.
- Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm – not with your hand. Drop used tissues immediately into a rubbish bin, then wash your hands thoroughly.
- Flu vaccines reduce the risk of catching severe influenza. A new flu vaccination is required each year as the virus constantly changes – vaccines are altered annually to provide protection against circulating strains.
- Annual flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with flu.
- Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended for people at increased risk of complications from flu infection, such as the young, pregnant or elderly, or for those who could likely transmit flu infection to others who are at increased risk of complications.
RHM only vaccinates people over the age of 18.