Australian flu

21/09/2018

Australian flu

Each year in the UK when the colder months are upon us many of us are struck down by flu. But, unlike the common cold, which starts with a stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, flu can be much worse. If you have it, it’s likely that you’ll suddenly get a fever, experience chills and, amongst other things, feel extremely tired.

There are two main types of flu (or influenza) virus that cause you to become ill: influenza A and influenza B. For each type there are different strains and variations of the virus. ‘Australian flu’ is a name being used to describe a particular strain of the influenza A virus. This is known as H3N2, which as the name suggests, has recently affected Australia.

So what’s the problem?

Although we have vaccines to fight against flu, the influenza virus can adapt and change, which is why it isn’t always fully effective. To combat this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) collects data from around the world on the types, strains and variants of influenza that have caused illness. They collect this data from one flu season to the next. This is to make sure that they have all the information they need to develop a new improved vaccine, if needed.

But if you’ve ever been to Australia, you’ll know that come Christmas – when our flu season is underway – on the other side of the world, winter is long gone and it’s time for your sunnies and swimsuit. So worldwide there are two different flu seasons, and it all depends on where exactly you are!

The key point here is that Australia’s flu season may give us clues as to what’s in store for the UK. And this year during their winter, Australia saw the highest level of flu since 2009. What’s more alarming is that they noticed a decrease in how well their current vaccine protected against a particular variant of influenza A that was circulating.

Where panic may arise is that our current flu vaccine is the same, so we too could feel the effects seen in Australia this winter. But, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and others.

Healthwork Advice and Discussion

1. Get the flu jab. Although this may sound counter-intuitive after what we’ve just discussed – it isn’t, and I can’t emphasise that enough! Having the flu jab may give you some protection against the altered strain. It can also protect you against other strains of influenza A and B that are fought by the vaccine. Getting the flu jab is particularly important if you are at a higher risk of becoming ill. This includes:

• children

• older people

• pregnant women

• people with low immune systems – this is the part of your body that fights infection

• people with underlying health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma (to name a few)

2. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. The influenza virus is spread through tiny droplets that travel through the air when you, or someone else, coughs or sneezes. These tiny droplets can be breathed in or picked up when you touch surfaces that they’ve landed on. So covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, is really important. Try to use a tissue to cover your mouth and remember to dispose of it safely in a nearby bin.

3. Wash your hands. As simple as it is, washing your hands is arguably the most effective way to prevent yourself from catching or spreading flu to others.

Healthwork is able to provide a comprehensive range of immunisation services including providing vaccinations for seasonal influenza. Our trained nurses can provide these services either on-site or at our own premises. For more information please contact us on 0161 831 9701.