Critical Information About The Flu Epidemic

It's well known that Influenza is a serious global condition resulting in a large number of annual deaths and an even larger number of hospitalizations worldwide. In Australia alone, the death rate from the Flu has hovered at approximately 2500 to 3000 annually for the last decade, which is better than the nearly 5000 annual deaths occurring in earlier years.

The emergence of better and even more effective Flu Vaccinations in Australia has had a direct impact in the reduction in the number of deaths and recorded illnesses in the general population. It's been proven that residents who acquire an Influenza vaccine have a greatly increased chance of making a full recovery from Flu related illnesses.

As people are becoming more aware of the perils of Influenza, they are also being exposed to vast amounts of data and information about the condition thanks to advancing communication technologies. It can be difficult for the average citizen to sort through this information, especially when much of it is tainted with incorrect data. In order to become fully informed about Influenza and each effective preventive measure, it's important to become educated about the Flu and Flu vaccinations.

Here are some important facts -

The flu is an infection that is brought about by the Influenza Virus (Three types: A, B, and C) and is extremely contagious. Its main method of spreading is from person to person by way of moisture droplets that contain the virus. It's also spread by touching someone with the Flu or touching virus contaminated surfaces. For example; if you touch the same surface or touch an infected person, you increase the risk of contracting the Flu.

The Flu can and sometimes does cause death and is responsible for about 15,000 hospitalizations in Australia every year, particularly among risk groups. It's estimated that there are about 1.2 million Australians under the age of 65 who run a high risk for contracting the Flu. Flu related illness or death is more apparent with people who suffer from chronic conditions and diseases, especially those who suffer a combination of heart and lung disease.

Flu symptoms include: Sore throat, dry cough, High fever —sometimes severe, muscle aches, headaches, congested nasal passages, and extreme fatigue.
A low percentage of around 20 to 50 percent of people working the in health care industry actually receive an annual Flu Vaccination despite the fact they are in the high risk range of spreading the disease. It's a proven fact that getting Flu vaccinations every single year is the best means of Influenza prevention.

You can implement measures to protect you and your family with a little time, patience and research to become educated about the influenza Virus. Additionally, it's important to learn about and beware of the myths surrounding the Flu including the following: Influenza vaccines may actually cause the Flu; and the Flu is never a serious illness—both of these statements are complete myth.