Preparing for the cold & flu season, advice from a pharmacist.
Winter is here and so is the cold and flu season. We’ve seen an early onset of flu cases since April, and the latest Queensland Health data indicates an early flu season. Peak circulation of the influenza virus is typically during the end of June through to August. Taking precautions can help protect our community.
When our immune systems are compromised, viruses can piggyback off each other and cause a dual infection. For instance, if we catch the flu and COVID simultaneously it is referred to as “flu-rona”, and will result in heightened symptoms.
It’s never too late to get your flu vaccination, the influenza virus can circulate in the community all year round. We can also boost our immunity naturally by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, and staying hydrated.
Whether you’re considering travel, staying home, or spending time with family during the upcoming school holidays, start preparing a check list with a few essentials:
- At home testing kits: all Alive Pharmacy stores now have at home testing kits that can help you find out if you have influenza, RSV or COVID.
- Medicine cabinet items: pain/fever relievers, thermometers, hand sanitizer, electrolytes, cough lozenges, saline nasal spray, tissues, etc
- Flu vaccinations: getting your family vaccinated helps protect everyone from severe illness and hospitalisation (particularly the elderly).
Flu vaccinations are free for all Queensland residents, we encourage you to book online to secure a spot. Book online here: Book your Flu Vaccination at Alive Pharmacy Warehouse.
The Full Scope of Practice trial has been travelling well since the launch in April. Our Chief Pharmacist Demi and I have been consulting patients weekly at our DFO Cairns Store. Please follow our Facebook page to stay up to date on the availability of a prescribing pharmacist.
Stay healthy this cold & flu season!
- Managing Director, Georgina Twomey