FAQ's for the 2012 Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
The flu (influenza) is an infectious illness spread via small droplets from the nose, throat or mouth of an infected person. Flu symptoms begin 48 hours after coming into contact with the virus.
What is the Flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infectious illness spread via small droplets from the nose, throat or mouth of an infected person. Flu symptoms begin 48 hours after coming into contact with the virus. The symptoms consist of chills, fever, generalised aches and pains, headache and respiratory symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, and cough). The severity and type of symptoms can vary. The risk of serious complications (e.g. Pneumonia and death) is greater in very young or very old and chronically ill persons.
Who gets the flu?
Anyone can get the flu. As it is spread through droplets in the air, it thrives and is easily spread in the office environment. It has been found that influenza viruses can survive for up to one hour in the air in enclosed environments, more than eight hours on hard surfaces such as keyboards and telephones, and up to five minutes on hands after transfer from other surfaces.
Who is most at risk of contracting the flu?
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Children, the elderly, and adults who suffer from chronic conditions (i.e. heart disease)
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People with a weakened immune system
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Asthmatics
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People who may spread the flu to other at risk people, such as teachers, health professionals or people with high contact with the public.
Who should NOT have the flu vaccination?
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People who have had a severe reaction to any vaccine or vaccine component in the past
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People with an allergy or hypersensitivity to eggs, chicken protein (i.e. meat), formaldehyde, cetrimonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin
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People who have a fever should wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
Who should be careful when having the flu vaccination?
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People who have a reduced immune system or an immunosuppressant condition (i.e. Guillain-Barre syndrome, Human Immunodeficiency virus)
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People who are taking any of the following medications: warfarin, theophylline, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine, and aspirin
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People who have felt unwell or fainted from a previous vaccine
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Pregnant women - it is recommended that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine, however this should be administered through their GP.
For more information about who should not have the flu vaccination, speak to your doctor or Wesley Health Promotion vaccination nurse.
What strains are included in the 2012 flu vaccine?
The vaccine contains three influenza-like strains. These strains have been recommended by the World Health Organisation who follow the most prevalent influenzas around the globe. They are:
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A (H1N1): an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) - like strain
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A (H3N2): an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2) - like strain
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B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 - like strain
I had the flu vaccination last year; do I still need to be vaccinated again this year?
Yes! Not only can the vaccine components vary from year to year, but the vaccine's protection only lasts for one year; annual vaccination is therefore recommended.
Can I catch the flu from a flu vaccine?
No: the flu vaccine does not contain 'live' virus and cannot give you flu.
Will the flu vaccination stop me from getting a cold?
The immunisation is for the flu only; it will not prevent you from getting the common cold or other 'flu-like' illness. This is because the vaccine contains fragments of three common influenza virus strains; it does not protect you against any other infection.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is 70 to 90% effective. Vaccination is considered the best defense in preventing the flu and limiting its spread to other people. N.B. protection after vaccination varies from person to person; people generally start producing the antibodies two weeks after the vaccination.
Are there any side effects?
The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild soreness or irritation around the injection site or a headache, fever or a slightly aching body. However these side effects, if they occur, seldom last beyond 1-2 days. Allergic reactions are uncommon after vaccination, but can be severe in some people. These reactions are due to an allergy to egg protein or to other components of the vaccine, including the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin, which are in the vaccine in small amounts. Some severe allergic reactions can happen within 15 minutes. That is why it is important to wait in the allocated area for 15 minutes after being vaccinated.
What do I do if I feel unwell or experience a side effect after the vaccine?
If you have pain at the injection site you can take paracetamol or apply a cold compress to ease the discomfort. If you have fever after vaccination you should drink extra fluids and rest. Paracetamol can also be used to reduce fever. If the fever persists, or you are worried about any reaction you are experiencing, contact your Doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible, or go to a hospital.
What other steps can I take to prevent the flu?
The flu vaccine is the best defense against contracting the flu. There are however, numerous other steps that you can take to prevent the flu. These include:
- Wash your hands, and frequently used items (i.e. phone, keyboard) often
- Avoid close contact with people who are seek
- Stay at home from work when you are sick, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing - this will prevent others getting sick
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Maintain good health (i.e. exercise regularly, and have a healthy balanced diet).
Where can I get additional information?
- Contact the Wesley Health Promotion Team on (07) 3377 7800 or contact us online.
