Queenslanders, it seems the sniffles and coughs have made an unwelcome early appearance this year. The flu season has officially kicked off, catching many of us off guard. At One Life Medical in Alexandra Hills, we’re already seeing an increase in patients presenting with those familiar flu symptoms – the fever, the aches, the exhaustion that can knock you and your family off your feet.

Understanding the Flu: More Than Just a Bad Cold

So, what exactly is the flu? Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that attacks your respiratory system – your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s crucial to understand that the flu is more than just a bad cold. The flu can lead to serious complications, particularly for vulnerable individuals like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. These complications can range from pneumonia and bronchitis to hospitalisation and, in severe cases, even death.

The Power of the Flu Shot: Your Family’s First Line of Defence

This is where the annual flu shot comes in. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The vaccine works by exposing your body to inactive strains of the influenza virus, allowing your immune system to build antibodies. These antibodies then recognise and fight off the live virus if you come into contact with it during the flu season.

Protecting Your Whole Family: It’s a Community Effort

Now, you might be thinking, “I’m healthy, I can handle the flu.” And while that might be true for some, getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting those around you who might be more susceptible to serious complications. This concept is known as “community immunity” or “herd immunity.” When a significant portion of the community is vaccinated, it becomes harder for the virus to spread, indirectly protecting those who can’t be vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems.

Think about your newborn niece or nephew who is too young for the vaccine, or your elderly grandparent whose immune system isn’t as robust as it once was. By getting your flu shot, you’re creating a protective shield around them, reducing the risk of them contracting the virus from you.

Act Now: Protect Your Family From the Flu

At One Life Medical, we strongly encourage all members of your family to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible. With the early arrival of the flu in Queensland, proactive protection is key. Our friendly team at our Alexandra Hills practice is here to answer any questions you may have about the vaccine and to provide convenient appointments for you and your family.

Don’t let the flu disrupt your life and put your loved ones at risk. Take action today and book your flu shots at One Life Medical. Let’s work together to keep our community healthy this flu season.

To book an appointment at One Life Medical, please call 07 3824 8144. Alternatively, you can book online or download the app for iPhone or Android devices and make bookings directly from your phone.