With the weather cooling down in preparation for the winter months, the upcoming flu season is drawing closer. Some might have mistakenly believed that they’ve missed the window for their shot, but this is far from the truth.
The 2017 influenza seasonwas the biggest since the 2009 pandemic season, with the increased levels of unwell individuals invariably translating to more deaths during flu season. Being able to prevent this is crucial, and flu shots can be critical to this.
To assist our customers, Team Med aim to demonstrate that getting a flu shot can be a flexible during the unpredictable sick season. Read on to learn more.
When is the right time to get a flu shot?
Although it might make sense to get a shot as soon as possible with the cooler months approaching, this isn’t necessarily the best course of action. Dr Bastien Seidel, President of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, states that “The last thing we want to see this year is patients doing the right thing and receiving a flu vaccination, only for the vaccination wear off by the time we reach flu season.” His statement therefore contrasts many firmly held beliefs that the weather getting cooler does not necessarily indicate the commencement of flu season.
A consistently unpredictable season
So, rather than ignore a flu vaccination simply because it seems too late, quite the opposite is true – it’s really never too late to get a flu shot – Professor Raina MacIntyre from the University of New South Wales affirms, stating that “generally, the peak flu season is around July and August, but it’s variable — sometimes it can start in May, and sometimes the peak happens in September.”
With the potency of the flu vaccine waning after 3 or 4 months, right now is the perfect time to receive a vaccine, particularly as the flu season can extend to September.
Still looking to get a flu vaccination?
While there is still the potential to get the flu even after having received a vaccination, the vaccination serves to help reduce the severity and/or duration of the disease. In doing this, it can potentially prevent serious complications, making it particularly valuable for the elderly and children.
It’s important to remember that right now is an excellent time of the season to get your flu vaccination. If you’re still looking to get yours, get in touch with the staff at Team Med to order your 2018 influenza immunisations. Also make sure to contact us about any questions regarding this year’s flu season!