April 2020 | DPV Health

Top 7 Facts About the Flu Vaccination

Posted on April 29, 2020May 12, 2022 by Ruya.Hudleston@dpvhealth.org.au

With all the media attention around COVID-19, it’s easy to forget about the importance of getting your yearly flu jab. While getting your flu vaccine won’t prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will reduce your risk of getting influenza, which has similar early symptoms and kills over 3,000 Australians each year.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. What is influenza?

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that kills thousands of people around the world every year. The flu is spread through body fluids, usually in the form of coughs and sneezes. It can cause severe illness and can lead to pneumonia. Common symptoms of the flu include; a high fever, a dry cough, body aches and feeling extremely tired. You might also experience headaches, a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat and a loss of appetite.

2. What is the flu vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is a specific vaccine that helps you to avoid being infected with the influenza virus. While it does not provide a 100% protection from the flu, it does greatly reduce your chances of getting it.

Getting the flu vaccine is important because the flu can cause serious illness in many people. Even if you are not in a high-risk category for the flu, there are probably people in your life (such as children, the elderly or those with chronic health issues) who would benefit from you not being infected. Even if you are not feeling sick, you might still be infected and pass it on to other people.

3. How does the vaccine work?

Getting the flu vaccine means that even if you do get the flu, you will probably only get a mild form of it. People who are vaccinated against the flu either don’t get it at all, or tend to get a mild dose and recover faster with fewer serious complications.

The flu vaccine works by activating your immune system to produce antibodies. Antibodies are special cells which can kill a virus when it enters your body. If you have the flu vaccine and then come into contact with the virus, your body will recognise the virus and use these antibodies to fight it off.

4. Who should get it?

Everyone should get an annual flu vaccine. If you are pregnant, over 65, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or have a chronic disease it’s especially important to get vaccinated. Children should also get vaccinated every year.

5. Where to get it

You can get a flu vaccination from DPV Health Medical Centres for a small cost.

It’s free for some people

The Australian Government provides free flu vaccinations to people who are most at risk of developing complications from the flu. These are issued through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Talk to your doctor about whether you are eligible to use this free service.

The NIP Schedule provides free flu vaccinations for:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
all children aged between 6 months and 5 years
people aged 6 months and older with certain health conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and asthma)
people aged 65 years and older
pregnant women (at any stage of their pregnancy).

Click here to download the latest information on flu vaccination 2022.

6. Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Secondly, flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming flu season.

7. What about COVID-19 and social distancing?

COVID-19 and influenza are different things, and the flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19. However, all Australians are being urged to get their flu vaccinations in order to reduce the chances of having both the flu and COVID-19.

While Australians are being encouraged to stay home, you are still allowed to go to the doctors or your local pharmacy. GP clinics and pharmacies across Australia are implementing strict social distancing and hygiene rules in order to improve your safety when you visit.

What’s next?

Call our Medical Centres in Mill Park or Broadmeadows to arrange your vaccination. Call: 1300 234 263 or via online by clicking here

Related pages:

[1] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

[2] https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/national-immunisation-program-schedule

National Heart Week – Heartoon Project

Posted on April 28, 2020April 30, 2020 by Ruya.Hudleston@dpvhealth.org.au

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Heart Week provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the problem of heart disease and to help improve the heart health of all Australians.

Each year, almost 10,000 Australians die of a heart attack. And more than 1million Australians aged 30-65 are at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke — but they may not even know they’re at risk

That’s why during Heart Week this year, the Heart Foundation will be urging all Australians to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and reduce their risk of having one.

DPV Health Heartoon Project

Heartoon is a series of 7 videos about looking after your heart health, developed by the Cardiac Rehabilitation team at DPV Health for clients and their families.

1. Your Heart

Learn about how your heart works, common heart conditions and some of the treatments available.

2. Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Learn about risk factors for heart disease to help you identify those you may have, why they are a risk and how to make changes in your daily life to reduce your risk in the future.

3. Physical Activity for your Heart Health

Learn about why it is important and the benefits for you, to be active in your daily life to help keep your heart healthy. The best types of exercise for your heart and how to keep your exercise at the right level for you.

4. Healthy Eating for your Heart Health

Learn about why it is important for you to eat a healthy diet for your heart health. Foods to minimise or avoid eating and foods to eat that are good for your heart. Healthy eating for adults brochure is available at; https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55g_adult_brochure.pdf

5. Label Reading for healthy food choices for your heart

Learn how to understand the information on food labels and how to use this to choose healthier food choices when shopping.

6. Medication for your heart

Learn about common medications you may have been prescribed for your heart condition and important things to know about safely taking your medication.

7. Footwear and foot care if you have a heart condition

Learn why you should look after your feet if you have a heart condition and how to identify if you have a problem. Caring for your feet, and a guide of what to look for when buying shoes.

For more information about DPV Health services related to Cardiac Rehabilitation see:

Telehealth, Video & Phone appointments available for more information click here.

For more information on Health Week visit:

www.heartfoundation.org.au

What you need to know about keeping the elderly safe

Posted on April 14, 2020April 30, 2020 by Ruya.Hudleston@dpvhealth.org.au

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You’ve probably heard in the news that the COVID-19 virus is particularly dangerous for older people. If you or a loved one is aged over 60 (or over 50 if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), there are some things that you need to know.

Why is the virus dangerous for older people?

The risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 increases with age. So far, we know that the highest rate of fatalities has been among older people, especially those who have existing medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

People with existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. As many older Australians also have at least one of these conditions, their risk of becoming seriously ill is increased.

What about vaccines?

At the moment, there is no vaccination for COVID-19, however, older people should get their 2020 flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available. To arrange a Flu Vaccination call DPV Health Medical Centres on 1300 234 263. The Flu vaccination is free for seniors over the age of 65.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether you should have a pneumococcal vaccination against pneumonia. This vaccine is recommended for everyone over 65. You should also discuss whether a shingles vaccination is right for you.

I am an older person, what can I do?

Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of this virus. People over 70 now being asked to stay in home and not go out unless absolutely necessary.

Good hygiene and taking care when interacting with other people, are the best defences for you and your family against COVID-19. This includes:

covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
disposing off used tissues immediately into a waste bin and washing your hands
washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places
using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, where available
cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched
staying 1.5 metres away — 2 arms’ length — from other people. This is an example of social distancing
if you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with others
avoiding non-essential travel
consider having the chemist deliver your medicines
think about having your groceries delivered

Should I visit my elderly relatives?

This is a tricky question, and you need to use your best judgement. It is important to avoid exposing elderly people to any visits including from relatives unless absolutely necessary. If your elderly relatives are in a residential aged care facility, there will be some restrictions.

The Australian Government has announced visitor restrictions across all aged care facilities for people who have recently returned from overseas or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19. Some aged care providers are asking that people do not visit their centres as it puts their residents at further risk. Exceptions may be made if your loved one is ill or in a palliative stage.

Some people are strictly restricted from visiting a residential aged care facility:

Visitors who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
Visitors who have been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days
Visitors with a fever or symptoms of a respiratory illness
Children 16 years and under, except in special circumstances

What can we do?

Make sure that you regularly call and check in on your older relatives. You can help them out by making a short trip to the supermarket or pharmacy for them as they may not be able to go on their own. Helping them stay connected with others through phone calls or video call systems can help them feel less isolated.

If you’re an older person and are struggling with stress or anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic, reach out to family, friends and medical professionals for support. Be sure to tell people if you are having difficulties getting food or medication. Also try to take a break from watching, reading or listening to the news, as this can be upsetting if you don’t take a break from it.

Telehealth

If you need to make a medical or health care appointment you can now do so during self isolation via our Telehealth, Video & Phone Appointment services. For more information call: 1300 234 263 or visit: https://www.dpvhealth.org.au/all-services/telehealth/

Useful Resources

DPV Health (Counselling, Social work & Psychology team) – Call: 1300 234 263 if you would like an appointment (8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday) Telephone counselling is available.
DPV Health Medical Centre – Call: 13 00 234 263 (Telehealth services now available)
Government Emergency Relief Packages: Supporting people in mandatory self-isolation, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them. Each eligible household will receive a two-week supply of essential goods. Call: 1800 675 398.
Prescription Medicine Home Delivery Services:

www.amcal.com.au

www.tonicapp.com.au/

www.mymedkit.com.au

For more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) call the hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit DPV Health updates page on: https://www.dpvhealth.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19/

Do you know someone that feels isolated and needs a phone friend?

Staying connected to community with a friendly person to chat to during this isolation time is more important than ever.

Our volunteer lead service, Hume Community Register have been making phone calls to isolated people living on their own for over 10 years.

This FREE community service is run by experienced and friendly volunteers who know the importance that a phone call can make to the health and well being of an isolated person.

Next time you need a friendly chat our volunteers are just a phone call away.

Call our team on 8301 8836.