“Achoo!”
That time of year has come round again, where the harsh change in weather means every second person you meet seems to be coming down with the flu.
Influenza is not merely a bad cold though, instead it’s an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person and causes annual epidemics that peak during winter.
As well as leaving you bedridden and miserable, an epidemic can take its toll on the economy too through lost workforce productivity and strained health services. An unbelievable total of 11 million days are lost in Ireland to absence every year, costing businesses €1.5 billion or €818 per employee, with the main cause of short-term absence cited as minor illness such as influenza. (Not so minor when you’re the one suffering of course!)
Prevention is better than cure, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. The Tropical Medical Bureau offer walk-in clinics where you can get your flu vaccination from only €25 per person, including consultation.
Early vaccination ensures minimum employee absenteeism due to flu during the winter months. Dr Graham Fry, Medical Director of the TMB advises, “We would particularly advise elderly people, international travellers and other high risk categories to get vaccinated as they are most prone to infection.” Andrew Lewis, CEO of the TMB says “We offer an on-site vaccination service for groups, companies or organisations of 10 or more and would strongly recommend corporate groups to avail of this service to prevent a high rate of employee absenteeism due to influenza this winter.”
The vaccine is specific to each winter and should be taken between September and October for maximum protection.
GloHealth members who have the Kids’ Health & Women’s and Men’s Health Personalised Packages can get their flu vaccine for FREE at any of the 22 TMB clinics nationwide.
