Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat the flu?
The recommended treatment is rest, drinking plenty of fluids and use of paracetamol for the relief of pain and fever. You should see your local doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms or if your symptoms are getting worse. Antiviral medication may be prescribed by your doctor if you are at risk of complications from the flu, but it does need to be started within 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective for treating the flu.
Your symptoms may include: Headache, muscle aches, rapid onset of fever, fatigue, sneezing, running nose, sore throat, and cough.
How do you prevent the flu?
Simple ways to control the spread of the flu is to get the annual flu vaccination and to practice good personal hygiene such as washing your hands, wiping over frequently touched surfaces with a cleaning cloth covered in detergent and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Who should get the flu vaccination?
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for any person, from six months of age, who wishes to reduce the chance of being ill with the flu. For anyone in a high-risk category, the flu can be a serious and potentially fatal illness.
The National Health and Medical Research Council strongly recommends annual vaccinations for people with:
- Heart conditions
- Severe asthma
- Lung conditions
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
- Impaired immunity
- Malignant cancers
- Pregnant women
- Chronic neurological disorders (removed a full stop)
Who should speak to their GP prior to having a flu vaccination?
- If you have a severe infection with a high fever of 38.5 degrees or over
- If you have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- If you are taking any medication, please consult your doctor
- People who are severely allergic to chicken products such as eggs and feathers
- People receiving cancer immuno-oncology therapies
Although no harm is done having the flu vaccination with most medications, it can sometimes increase their toxicity and therefore should be administered under the supervision of your regular doctor.
The only absolute contraindications to influenza vaccines are:
- anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine
anaphylaxis after any component of an influenza vaccine
Will I catch the “flu” from the vaccine?
The vaccine is composed of inactivated or dead virus and so despite claims it does not actually cause the “flu”. However, it is understandable that lay people may be concerned about this risk as up to 10% of recipients may develop fever, fatigue and muscle aches. As a reminder, these symptoms will last only a few days whereas if they caught influenza they would be unwell for far longer.
Are you able to get the flu shot if you are feeling unwell?
The nurse will discuss your symptoms with you on the day and vaccinate at their discretion.
Are there any side effects from the flu vaccination?
Like any medication, some people may experience an unexpected reaction to the flu vaccination. Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade temperature
- Headache or muscle aches
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Generally feeling unwell
- A temporary small lump at the injection site
Most side effects are minor, last a short time, resolve without any treatment and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Generally, mild reactions begin within 6 to 12 hours. As with any medication, very rarely you will have a severe allergic reaction that usually occurs within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccination. Due to this, it is important for you to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination before leaving. As with any medication, there is a rare risk of having a severe allergic reaction that usually occurs within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccination. For this reason, it is important for you to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination before leaving the immediate area.
Are there any serious reactions possible when having the vaccination?
As with all vaccinations and medication, there is the possibility of an anaphylactic reaction. These reactions are rare.
However for the safety of workers, Sonic HealthPlus recommend that the following people see their usual health professional to discuss their suitability for a vaccine:
- Workers who have previously reacted to the vaccine or a vaccine component
- Workers who have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Workers with a history of anaphylaxis or a severe reaction to eggs or egg products.
Is the flu vaccination safe for pregnant women?
Yes. The flu vaccination can be safely given during any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe disease or complications from the flu. Vaccinating against the flu during pregnancy can not only protect pregnant women, but provide ongoing protection to a newborn baby for the first six months after birth.
If I’m pregnant, can Sonic HealthPlus administer my flu vaccination at my workplace?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the flu vaccination for all pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. We are happy to offer the vaccination to any woman whose is experiencing a normal pregnancy with no complications.
Who will administer the flu vaccination?
At your workplace, the vaccination will be administered by a nurse who has the current emergency procedure training and the necessary equipment in accordance with state and territory regulations.
What can I do after receiving the vaccination?
While around 10% of recipients may develop symptoms at the site of the injection – redness, pain, swelling, there is no activity that should be avoid If the person feels otherwise well otherwise well 15 minutes after the vaccination they can continue their usual work and recreational activities.
Once we have confirmed our onsite vaccination program, are we able to change the date?
Our national flu program is very popular and is generally booked out months in advance. Changing the confirmed date of your onsite vaccination programme is at the discretion of the National Flu Coordinator based on scheduling and resourcing. Programs will not be rescheduled under a week out.
What happens if someone is sick or away on the day of our onsite vaccinations?
SHP will order the number of vaccines requested seven days prior to the job date. One business day before the Nurse is scheduled to be on site, SHP will close the bookings diary and confirm final booking numbers. Final numbers can be no less than 10% of the original request. For example, if 40 vaccines are requested 7 days before your scheduled booking, one business day prior to SHP coming on-site we will confirm your final numbers. You can reduce your order by 10% only, and the minimum charge will therefore be for 36 vaccines. This same condition applies to “No-Shows” on the day of on-site vaccinations. You may contact the National Flu Coordinator to purchase an in-clinic voucher.
Can I take my in clinic voucher to my personal doctor?
No. Vouchers can only be redeemed at a Sonic HealthPlus or Travel Doctor-TMVC Clinic.
I don’t live near a Sonic HealthPlus Clinic, how do I redeem my in clinic voucher.
Vouchers can only be redeemed at a Sonic HealthPlus, or Travel Doctor-TMVC Clinic. Sonic HealthPlus has over 50 clinics across Australia and vouchers can be redeemed at any of these clinics before 31 August 2022.
Find your nearest clinic
Need to organise your workplace flu vaccinations this season?
We offer both in-clinic and on-site flu programs that are flexible and affordable. To talk to someone about organising your flu program this year contact us on:
1300 339 557
flu@sonichealthplus.com.au
sonichealthplus.com.au
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health, World Health Organisation, Australian Influenza
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Can the influenza vaccine be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised that influenza vaccines can be given at the same time as COVID-19 vaccines.
Does my COVID 19 Vaccine cover me for flu?
No, each disease is caused by a different virus so the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you from contracting the flu. For women who receive influenza vaccine before becoming pregnant, revaccination is recommended during pregnancy to maximise the protection of the mother and the infant in the first six months of life.