Prevent the Flu

The flu is a respiratory infection that affects many people each year. Anyone can get the virus, which can cause mild to severe symptoms.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

fever
body aches
runny nose
coughing
sore throat
fatigue

1. Avoid large crowds

Avoiding large crowds can often be difficult, but it’s crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a typical year, if you’re able to limit contact with people during flu season, you can reduce your risk of getting an infection.

The flu can spread quickly in confined spaces. This includes schools, workplaces, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities.

If you have a weaker immune system, wear a face mask whenever you’re in a public place during flu season.

2. Wash your hands regularly

Because the flu virus can live on hard surfaces, get into a habit of regularly washing your hands. This is especially important before preparing food and eating. Also, you should always wash your hands after using the bathroom.

Carry a bottle of hand sanitizing gel with you, and sanitize your hands throughout the day when soap and water are unavailable.

You should do this after coming into contact with commonly touched surfaces, including:

doorknobs
light switches
counters

3. Strengthen your immune system

Strengthening your immune system is another way to protect yourself against the flu. A strong immune system helps your body fight off infections. And if you do become sick, a strong immune system helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

To build your immunity, sleep at least 7 to 9 hours per night. Also, maintain a regular physical activity routine — at least 30 minutes, three times a week.

4. Get an annual flu vaccination

Make sure you get a flu vaccination each year. The predominant circulating flu virus changes from year to year, so you’ll need to update your vaccination each year.

Keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to be effective. If you get the flu after a vaccination, the shot may reduce the severity and duration of your illness.

5. Clean and disinfect surfaces

The current COVID-19 pandemic may have already gotten you into good cleaning and hygiene practices.

If someone in your home has the flu, you can reduce your risk of contracting it by keeping surfaces in your house clean and disinfected. This can kill flu germs.

Takeaway

The flu virus is dangerous in the elderly and more vulnerable populations and can lead to life threatening complications. Take preventive steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of illness, especially this year.

Talk to your doctor about getting a flu vaccination, and be proactive about strengthening your immune system and avoiding contact with symptomatic people.

After Hours & Emergency Care

If you require after-hours medical attention still you can call our phone, but it will direct you to our nominated after-hours service (DoctorDoctor) or you can directly call them on 13 26 60. Bulk billed telehealth consults or home visits where appropriate are available by DoctorDoctor, where a patient holds a valid Medicare or Department of Veteran affairs card.

If you require URGENT medical attention, please call 000 or present to the Emergency Department. The closest emergency hospitals are:

Austin Hospital: 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084. Tel: (03) 9496 5000
Box Hill Hospital: 8 Arnold St, Box Hill, VIC 3128. Tel: 1300 342 255

First Nation Acknowledgement

Med1 Clinic acknowledges that our General Practice is located on the lands of many Traditional Custodians in Victoria, and we welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to this practice. We recognise that Indigenous Australians have an ongoing connection to the land and MED1 Clinic values their unique contribution to the wider community. According to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and 15 National Health Practitioner Boards and in line with national medical standards, codes and guidelines across all our clinic has a shared commitment to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have access to health services that are culturally safe and free from racism so that they can enjoy a healthy life, equal to that of other Australians, enriched by a strong living culture, dignity and justice.