Flu vaccinations
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Flu symptoms
Symptoms of flu include, fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches.
Vaccinations
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Vaccinations are generally available from early March to 30 June. Occupational Health Map can come to your workplace to give flu vaccinations if you are in Wellington, Kapiti, Porirua, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt. Please contact OHM for further information.
All people 65 years of age and over and all people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), can receive free annual influenza vaccine from their Doctor as they are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Why do people need to vaccinate?
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
How flu spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Preventing flu
The single best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a vaccination. This is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus). A new vaccination is formulated each year as the influenza virus changes rapidly over time and different strains become dominant.
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection throughout the Influenza season. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
Call today to discuss your workplace vaccinations with us. We can come to you to deliver our services if you are located in the Wellington, Kapiti, Porirua, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt areas.
If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, contact OHM for further information.
Good health habits for influenza prevention
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick to prevent spread
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and spreading germs
- Practice other good health habits, sleep well, keep fit, eat healthy foods and manage your stress
