From keeping the virus away from others to understanding how immunisation works, GP Dr Preeya Alexander’s shared the helpful tips on her Instagram page.
The flu vaccine is not a complete prevention
While Dr Alexander, who goes by the name of The Wholesome Doctor, said the vaccine was still the best defence it did not mean you could not get the flu as there are many strains of it.
‘I’ve had patients say ‘I had the vaccine though’. It certainly reduces your chance of contracting influenza (flu) but it’s not 100 per cent effective,’ she said.
‘The vaccine effectiveness varies year-to-year and sits around 40 to 50 per cent.’
While Dr Alexander, who goes by the name of The Wholesome Doctor, said the influenza vaccine was still the best defence it did not mean you could not get the flu
The flu is fatal
There have been 57 flu-related deaths in New South Wales, but Victoria does not lag far behind.
‘In Victoria alone this year 37 people have already died from influenza complications – the flu can be fatal,’ Dr Alexander said.
The outbreak this year has been so stark that health experts in the UK have used Australia as an example to warn about an equally bad upcoming flu season in the northern hemisphere.
Don’t ‘soldier on’ by going outside or to work if you have the flu
‘If you are unwell with influenza like symptoms (fevers, muscle aches, lethargy, low appetite) please, please stay home,’ she wrote.
‘Protect the community and stay away particularly from vulnerable people like infants, elderly people, pregnant women and those with asthma and immune system issues.’
The advice comes after the Department of Health warned that ‘influenza and influenza-like illness is high for this time of year’.
‘If you are unwell with influenza like symptoms (fevers, muscle aches, lethargy, low appetite) please, please stay home,’ The Wholesome Doctor wrote (stock image)
Antibiotics won’t work
Antibiotic-based medicines slow down or destroy the growth of bacteria, but Dr Alexander warned they do not work for viruses.
‘Influenza is a viral illness so antibiotics will not treat it,’ she said.
‘For most patients treatment is supportive with rest, fluids and NO exercise – we encourage a graded return to exercise only once the symptoms have settled completely.
‘Exercising when unwell is not recommended and can have serious complications.’
The flu virus is passed by droplets from person-to-person and The Wholesome Doctor said we should all be responsible for our actions around others
Watch your personal hygiene around others
The flu virus is passed by droplets from person-to-person and The Wholesome Doctor said we should all be responsible for our actions around others.
‘Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze and wash your hands,’ Dr Alexander said.
‘Hand hygiene is your greatest defence this cold and flu season.’