An epidemic is the occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given time period. Pandemic is used to describe an epidemic that affects a large proportion of the population across continents.
Influenza immunisation
You can reduce your chance of getting the flu by getting immunised every year.
A new vaccine needs to be developed and given each year because the virus has the ability to change its surface structure. This allows it to escape recognition by your body’s immune system.
It’s a good idea to get immunised between March and May before the onset of the flu season. Most people get influenza in a six to eight-week period during winter and spring. Protection develops about two weeks after the injection and lasts for a year.
The influenza vaccine can’t give you a dose of flu because it contains no live virus. However, some people may still contact the flu because the vaccine doesn’t always protect against every strain of the influenza virus circulating in the community.
Health care professionals have identified high-risk groups such as those with underlying medical conditions or reduced immunity and recommend that people in these groups be immunised.
Contact us for information about our Influenza Pandemic Action Plan.