Don’t let the flu interrupt your life

It’s never been more important to protect yourself from the flu. With many symptoms in common with COVID-19, a bout of the flu today can cause a big disruption to your everyday life. Putting aside having to self-isolate, developing flu symptoms can cause real anxiety; the potential health impact to ourselves and others is real.

Australian guidelines recommend that everyone over six months of age should receive the flu vaccination yearly to protect themselves and others, particularly people in high risk groups like those over 65 and sufferers of chronic health conditions like asthma.1

Does an influenza vaccination affect protection against COVID-19?


An influenza vaccination is not a vaccination against COVID-19, and it offers no protection against contracting COVID-19. Suffering from the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can make you very ill, so it’s important to reduce your risk of catching the flu.

Top tips to prevent cold and flu2

Amcal’s pharmacists are trained experts in administering flu vaccinations.
Keep your hands and the surfaces you touch clean, and consider using an alcohol-based hand rub or wipes when you’re on the go. Avoid sharing toothbrushes, towels, utensils and drinking glasses.
Eat healthy, get regular exercise and stay hydrated. Moderating your alcohol consumption and managing your weight will help ensure your immune system is fighting fit.
Mental health plays a big part in our immune function. Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and managing stress where possible.
Quit smoking and manage your asthma or COPD.
Stay home, cover sneezes and coughs and, most importantly, rest up!

Source: 1. Better Health 2018,
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flu-influenza

Source: 2. healthdirect,
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds#prevention