Are you escaping a southern hemisphere winter by heading off for a “Euro summer season”? Perhaps you’re planning a cruise by way of the Mediterranean. Otherwise you’re dreaming of a white Christmas abroad later within the yr.
Perhaps you’ve already booked your flights and lodging, locked in your itinerary, and began planning what to pack.
However there could also be another factor so as to add to your pre-travel guidelines – a flu shot.
For some travellers, this may increasingly imply a second flu shot this yr – one for Australia’s flu season and one other to guard them within the northern hemisphere.
Why do I want one other flu shot?
Safety from a flu shot doesn’t final all yr; it decreases after three to 4 months.
So in case you had your flu shot in April or Might, it might now not supply sufficient safety by the point you journey in July or later.
Getting a second shot will offer you optimum safety in opposition to the flu whereas travelling to the northern hemisphere.
That’s why it’s now advisable Australians travelling to the northern hemisphere between October and Might think about a second flu shot in the event that they’ve already had one earlier this yr.
If it’s been three to 4 months since your first shot, you can think about a second shot.
A second shot must be no less than 4 weeks after the primary shot. Ideally, get your second shot at least two weeks earlier than your departure, so your physique has time to construct up safety.
For those who haven’t had a flu shot in any respect this yr, now’s the time. Within the yr to July 7, there have been greater than 167,000 confirmed circumstances of the flu in Australia.
Who ought to think about a second flu shot?
Listed below are some examples the place a second flu shot is value discussing along with your physician or pharmacist.
Cruises are a chief setting for flu outbreaks. There are lots of or hundreds of individuals sharing confined areas, comparable to eating places and leisure amenities, for days or perhaps weeks at a time. This creates the right surroundings for the flu virus to unfold.
Group excursions and giant occasions are additionally excessive threat. Bus excursions, music festivals and cultural occasions carry collectively giant crowds, typically in indoor areas or by way of shared transport. This will increase your likelihood of publicity and catching the virus.
Pilgrimages and spiritual gatherings comparable to Hajj, Lunar New 12 months or Ramadan are additionally excessive threat, particularly for older travellers or these with well being situations. These occasions can appeal to thousands and thousands of worldwide guests, typically in crowded, shared lodging, the place flu and different respiratory viruses can unfold quickly.
People who find themselves over 65 years of age, have medical situations, comparable to extreme bronchial asthma or diabetes, or are on drugs that lower their immune operate, usually tend to change into severely ailing in the event that they catch the flu. So, in case you’re travelling in the course of the northern hemisphere’s flu season, a second shot must be strongly thought-about.
Which flu shot ought to I get?
Every year, well being authorities world wide develop two totally different flu photographs, one for every hemisphere’s flu season. The flu photographs can differ, as flu strains change quickly and totally different strains could flow into in numerous areas.
Australians obtain the southern hemisphere model round March to Might. And
whereas it’s splendid to have the northern hemisphere flu shot earlier than heading abroad, it’s not out there in Australia.
As an alternative, you’ll be able to have two photographs of the southern hemisphere flu shot – one earlier within the yr and a second shot earlier than your journey.
You may wait till you might be abroad to get your second shot. However you wouldn’t be protected for 2 weeks afterwards, and also you’d have to navigate an abroad well being system whereas on vacation.
The place can I get a flu shot? How a lot does it value?
You may get a flu shot at your native pharmacy, GP clinic, or generally by way of your office. Many pharmacies supply walk-in appointments, and the flu shot often prices round A$25 (together with the value of the vaccine and administering it).
In case your GP doesn’t bulk invoice, you may be charged an out-of-pocket value for the session, and should have to pay the price of the shot in case you don’t qualify for a free one.
The (first) flu shot is free for individuals who meet sure standards, comparable to being 65 and over, pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and people with sure medical situations. However you would need to pay for a second shot in case you’re travelling.
Particular flu photographs are advisable for every particular person. So communicate to your pharmacist or GP to debate the best choice for you.
Your GP or pharmacist can even talk about what to anticipate after your flu shot. This may occasionally embody tiredness, fever, muscle aches, and redness or swelling on the injection website. These often go away inside two days. For most individuals, these signs are delicate and well-tolerated.
Why trouble?
The flu is greater than only a sniffle. It may result in severe sickness, cancelled plans and maybe a hospital keep in another country. Even in case you don’t get sick, you might go the virus to others extra weak than your self.
So earlier than you end your pre-travel guidelines, be sure your flu photographs are updated.
Not getting the shot might be the distinction between sipping Aperol spritz on the Amalfi Coast or spending your journey in mattress with a fever.
