In 2004 the then Federal Treasurer Peter Costello urged Australians to populate: “Have one for mum, one for dad and one for the country.” Vaccination is a bit like that – you do it for the public good, and hope it might do you some good too.
There are many viruses that can cause respiratory symptoms, and there are also many strains of influenza. Mutation rates are also changing more rapidly. The flu vaccine is adjusted yearly to try to keep up with circulating strains.
Vaccination has been a major public health success, with the eradication of smallpox and reducing rates of polio, for instance. Higher vaccinations rates in the community promote more “herd immunity”. This means that less people are susceptible, therefore reducing the risk of an epidemic.
On an individual basis, the flu vaccine aims to reduce your chances of catching the major circulating strains, or reducing the severity of the illness; it will not protect you from most respiratory viruses.
The “Immunise Australia Program” section on the Department of Health’s website provides useful information on flu symptoms, at-risk groups who should consider vaccination, and common side effects of the vaccine. See Immunise Influenza
Lastly, if you have the flu, stay at home in bed. Your workmates and fellow commuters will not thank you for passing it around.
