Hamilton pharmacist gives practical advice this flu season.

A Hamilton pharmacist is encouraging people to get vaccinated against influenza and take practical precautions such as wearing masks and washing hands as flu season peaks this July in New Zealand. 

Raman Saini, Lead Pharmacist at Unichem Hamilton Pharmacy, said this month is the busiest month for flu related complaints and requests for medicines, and urges people to get vaccinated.

Saini said “We start vaccinating people from April 1st onward.”

It is estimated 1 in 4 people are infected with the flu each year in New Zealand.

Influenza A is the most common type of flu in New Zealand and Influenza B is the least common. High risk risk groups include older people, Maori and Pacific people, young children and people with compromised immune systems.

A lot of times, Saini said people confuse the common cold with a flu infection and present symptoms such as a blocked nose, coughing,feeling miserable and a temperature.

He said usually, it’s just the common cold but every now and then people do get the flu and the symptoms are very similar but a bit more intense.

Flu symptoms include feeling lethargic, body pains, aches, fevers and not feeling like eating or drinking. Saini said, “A lot of people actually end up going to hospital or the doctors, to get proper treatment as opposed to just coming to the pharmacy.”

Saini said influenza is quite contagious, so if you know someone has the flu, you’ve got to stay away from them.

Saini recommends keeping your immunity high this flu season as a “really good strong immune system’’ will mean you’re less likely to get symptoms and fight the flu off easily.

Other advice includes Vitamin D supplements, which can help the body fight off viruses. Regular handwashing and wearing masks is also important. Ultimately, If you’re unwell, stay home.