FLU is Back, what you need to know

by Dr Lexi Frydenberg

General Paediatrician

Instagram:@drlexifry

As we brace for winter, many of us are wondering if this year’s cold and flu season will be worse than previous years.

There is no doubt that the preventive measures we used over the last 2 years to stop the spread of COVID-19: like physical distancing, mask-wearing and isolation also helped stop the spread of other viral infections such as influenza.

Now with COVID restrictions relaxed and international borders opening, many of us are wondering whether this has also lowered the levels of immunity in the community and whether we may be more vulnerable to Influenza this winter. Infectious Disease and Public Health experts are predicting this will be the case and we have already started seeing cases of flu and both children and adults with the severe disease this year.

WHAT IS INFLUENZA

Influenza (or “the flu”) is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory system (airways)
It is highly contagious and spread mainly through sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces.
It affects people of all ages, including children, who are more likely to be infected than adults
Although usually a mild disease causing fever, dry cough, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, general fatigue & muscle aches and pains- It can also cause serious illness in otherwise healthy kids- leading to hospitalisation and even death

The Flu Vaccine remains the best defence against influenza and its complications.

Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for all people, including pregnant women and children aged > 6 months.

Vaccinating pregnant women provides protection to mothers and their newborn infants. You can have the vaccination at any time of year and at any stage in pregnancy.

Yearly Flu Vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those at risk of severe influenza. These include Pregnant women, children aged 6 months-5 years, People with specified chronic medical conditions, all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders > 6 months, Adults >65 yrs old.

FLU VACCINE-THE FACTS

The flu vaccine IS NOT a LIVE vaccine so you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine
A small number of children will experience side effects such as fever, headache which can mimic flu symptoms but these are usually mild and get better in a few days
The flu virus changes each year (mutates) and that is why the vaccine is usually updated each year, depending on the circulating strains.
The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3-4 months after vaccination (although it is generally expected to last throughout the year) – flu usually peaks in Australia in June-Sep each
NOW is a good time to have the vaccine as it can take up to 2 weeks to develop antibodies and for your immune system to be ready to fight the flu virus
You CAN have the flu vaccine, even if you have Egg allergies – the egg-based influenza vaccines only contain tiny traces of egg protein so people with egg allergies, including anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with influenza vaccines- speak to your GP or immunisation provider if your child does have an egg allergy
Influenza vaccines CAN be given on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine

(Influenza (flu) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health)

If you have recently had a COVID infection, you can have the flu vaccine once your acute symptoms settle

Recent Kids Health Info Podcast Episode out now

Flu is back. It’s time to discuss the flu vaccine

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/Podcast/

SoMe TILES

STOP THE FLU (health.gov.au)

Disclaimer: The content in this article is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Moreover, the views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employers or other official organisations.