The flu mistakes everyone is making

With Australia suffering through its worst flu season in at least 15 years experts have revealed the mistakes people are making, which are contributing to the outbreak.

Just this week, an eighth elderly resident died after an outbreak at a regional Victorian nursing home, and a 30-year-old Victorian father tragically died on what should have been his first Father’s Day.

Influenza A (H3N2) is the flu subtype that’s wreaking havoc and so far there have been a record-breaking 132,732 laboratory confirmed influenza cases in Australia, according to the Department of Health.

The biggest mistake Aussie’s are making when it comes to the flu, is rushing back to work too early, or parents sending sick children to daycare.

“People should wait for at least 24 hours before returning to work to make sure they are fully recovered from the flu,” Dr Natalie Caristo, Medical Director at National Home Doctor Service, told News Corp.

Australian Medial Association vice president Dr Tony Bartone agreed, saying if you are sick don’t “soldier on” and spread it around your workplace.

Experts have also said, skipping out on getting the flu vaccination, or a booster shot, is another common mistake.

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“We all need to reflect upon whether we’re in the target group that should have it (flu vaccine) or whether we just want to ensure that we reduce the risk of passing it on even in our own family,” he told News Corp.

He said it is important to note that flu shots are generally effective for four months, so if you had your shot in March, you would have needed a booster by July.

Lastly, if any symptoms are starting to show, it’s important to note that antibiotics need to be used during the early stages of the flu in order to work, Dr Bartone said.

If you need tips on how to naturally strengthen your immune system check out our story here: How to boost your immune system naturally

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