Fairbrother Flu Vaccination Program
By Gaye Rutherford, Dietitian

This year the Fairbrother Group is again providing flu vaccinations to all employees who wish to receive one. The reason we do this is that we believe vaccination is the most effective protection for influenza, and research suggests that a timely vaccination may reduce absenteeism from upper respiratory illness by as much as 43%, impacting both productivity and staff morale. Research also suggests that influenza can slow reaction times by 20–40% for those who continue to work whilst ill, which has grave potential consequences for our workplace.

The Flu, Background Information

The influenza virus is a common cause of acute respiratory illnesses in humans, and is easily transmitted from person to person by contact with droplets (body fluids) coming from the respiratory secretions of infected people. A cough or a sneeze near another person, or hand contact after wiping a runny nose, are all that is needed to potentially spread the virus. It is therefore no surprise that children are common transmitters. While many of us may dismiss the flu as a minor ailment, its consequences can include developing pneumonia or, at the most extreme, death. The most well known flu ‘pandemic’ occurred in 1918 when the ‘Spanish flu’ caused an estimated 20–40 million deaths worldwide.

Why We Need an Annual Flu Vac

The influenza virus has the unfortunate trait of regularly changing, meaning that every year a new vaccine is needed to provide effective immunization. In 1947, recognising the major health benefits of a worldwide flu vaccination program, the World Health Organisation (WHO) started up a worldwide network of specialists to monitor and update the vaccine. They do this by identifying the three most serious forms of the virus and developing a vaccine targeting these. In Australia, the best protection from the vaccine is achieved by administering it around this time of the year (late March – April), just prior to the onset of winter.

All people who are susceptible or at risk of influenza should receive the vaccine. This includes the elderly, young children/infants, people with compromised immune systems, and anyone with regular contact with persons with chronic illness. The vaccine is also likely to benefit persons with asthma and pregnant (or likely to become pregnant) women. It is important to stress that most people experience no significant complications or side effects as result of receiving the vaccine – except for persons who are allergic to poultry products (including eggs) or antibiotics (like Gentamicin, Noemycin and Polymyxin). If you are considering having the flu vaccination but are concerned you may suffer from one of these allergies, please consult your doctor.

Tips to Avoid the Flu

	Get vaccinated every year!
	Keep your immune system strong by eating a balanced diet and getting sufficient rest
	Avoid standing near people who have the flu, especially if they are coughing and sneezing. If you catch the flu, stay home to avoid spreading it to work colleagues
	Regularly wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, and before eating
	Use disposable tissues and not handkerchiefs

Gaye Rutherford
Accredited Practising Dietitian
Fairbrother Health & Communications Manager