Hi guys, it is Gareth Rossi, owner of Gravity Fitness with our weekly blog post. Today I would like to talk about the flu, its vaccine and how to prevent against getting the flu after listening to the radio yesterday morning at on my way to work.

None of us need or want to be out of work, not be able to socialise, play sport or even go to the gym. The flu can knock you back up to 2 weeks if contracted. The flu typically lasts one to two weeks, with severe symptoms subsiding in two to three days. However, weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a reduced ability to exercise can linger for three to seven days.

During the brutal 2017-2018 flu season, the vaccine was only about 36% effective, with particularly low efficacy against the H3N2 strain. Nonetheless, even small increases in immunity can make a big difference, both on an individual and a population level. The radio show on Monday morning repeat mentioned that this year’s flu vaccine will be way more effective than last year.

You are recommended to get the flu shot by the end of October, before the bulk of the 2018-2019 flu season hits, because it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take effect. But later is better than never so don’t waste time.

Ways to preventing yourself form getting the flu are:

• Regular washing of hands
• Anti-Bacterial hand sanitizer used throughout the day
• Don’t shake a person’s hand, fist pump!
• Avoid contact with those who are sick
• If you feel symptoms coming on, take 24 hours in doors to try prevent it
• Take multivitamin and vitamin C supplements every morning
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Don’t ever think you are immune to the flu. When you let your guard down and stop doing the few bullet points above it will get you… Then your out of work and any social activity (the gym) for up to 2 weeks…. Keep safe against the flu!