Flu Facts
What is influenza?
Influenza (flu) is caused by a highly infectious virus that spreads through the air and causes a respiratory infection.
Can I catch the flu from the vaccine?
You are not able to catch the flu from a vaccine - Why? Because in Australia we only use inactivated (non-infectious) agents to ensure the vaccine doesn't trigger disease.
Why do I feel like I have the flu after I have the vaccine?
The vaccine triggers your immune system to respond to the vaccine in the same way it would to an actual virus and can therefore produce mild flu-like symptoms for a day or so following the vaccination.
Your immune system needs to do this so when your body comes into contact with the virus it can create an immediate immune response to fight the virus reducing the time it takes to recover.
How long does it take for my body to build it immune defense once I have the vaccine?
It can take 2-6 weeks after the vaccine injection for your body to build up enough antibodies to be effective against the flu virus.
Are there any side effects?
Your upper arm may ache and the site may feel firm to the touch or itch - these effects will last 1-2 days.
So I will be completely free from the flu if I have the vaccine?
It is impossible to completely prevent everyone from getting the flu however it can dramatically decrease your chance of getting the flu and will reduce the severity and length of the symptoms should you be infected with a different flu strain. Some studies suggest the vaccine prevents around 70-90% of illness between 18-65 years of age.
I got a vaccination last year why do I need another?
The recommended strains of the virus can change year to year and the vaccine is created in anticipation of the top three strains predicted to dominate in our climate for each year.
When is the best time to arrange a flu vaccination?
Between March and the end of May as this gives your body enough time to build up it's immune defense before winter.
Can you contract the flu and not even know it?
Yes - you can be asymptomatic for 24-72 hours and spread the disease yourself before you even know you have it.
I already have the flu what can I do to get better?
Will antibiotics help me to recover faster if I have the flu?
Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria, as the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help you to recover faster.
Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not required could increase your risk of getting an infection that is more resistant to antibiotic treatments, meaning future illnesses may have an extended recovery time.
It's better to just follow the advice illustrated in the question above.
Influenza (flu) is caused by a highly infectious virus that spreads through the air and causes a respiratory infection.
Can I catch the flu from the vaccine?
You are not able to catch the flu from a vaccine - Why? Because in Australia we only use inactivated (non-infectious) agents to ensure the vaccine doesn't trigger disease.
Why do I feel like I have the flu after I have the vaccine?
The vaccine triggers your immune system to respond to the vaccine in the same way it would to an actual virus and can therefore produce mild flu-like symptoms for a day or so following the vaccination.
Your immune system needs to do this so when your body comes into contact with the virus it can create an immediate immune response to fight the virus reducing the time it takes to recover.
How long does it take for my body to build it immune defense once I have the vaccine?
It can take 2-6 weeks after the vaccine injection for your body to build up enough antibodies to be effective against the flu virus.
Are there any side effects?
Your upper arm may ache and the site may feel firm to the touch or itch - these effects will last 1-2 days.
So I will be completely free from the flu if I have the vaccine?
It is impossible to completely prevent everyone from getting the flu however it can dramatically decrease your chance of getting the flu and will reduce the severity and length of the symptoms should you be infected with a different flu strain. Some studies suggest the vaccine prevents around 70-90% of illness between 18-65 years of age.
I got a vaccination last year why do I need another?
The recommended strains of the virus can change year to year and the vaccine is created in anticipation of the top three strains predicted to dominate in our climate for each year.
When is the best time to arrange a flu vaccination?
Between March and the end of May as this gives your body enough time to build up it's immune defense before winter.
Can you contract the flu and not even know it?
Yes - you can be asymptomatic for 24-72 hours and spread the disease yourself before you even know you have it.
I already have the flu what can I do to get better?
- Stay at home
- Avoid public places
- Always cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue and wash your hands afterwards
- Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and get plenty of sleep.
Will antibiotics help me to recover faster if I have the flu?
Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria, as the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help you to recover faster.
Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not required could increase your risk of getting an infection that is more resistant to antibiotic treatments, meaning future illnesses may have an extended recovery time.
It's better to just follow the advice illustrated in the question above.