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There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/allen-cheng-94997">Allen Cheng</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Influenza is a common respiratory infection. Although most cases are relatively mild, flu can cause more severe illness in young children and older people. Influenza virtually <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33243355/">disappeared</a> from Australia during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic when public health restrictions reduced contact between people. Since 2022, it has returned to a seasonal pattern, although the flu season has started and peaked a few months earlier than before 2020. It’s difficult to predict the intensity of the flu season at this point in the year, but we can sometimes get clues from the northern hemisphere. There, the season <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/flunet">started</a> <a href="https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/flu_by_age_virus.html">earlier</a> than usual for the third year running (peaking in early January rather than late February/March), with a similar number of reported cases and hospitalisations to the previous year. Influenza vaccines are recommended annually, but there are now an increasing number of different vaccine types. Here’s what to know about this year’s shots, available from <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine">this month</a>. <h2>What goes into a flu vaccine?</h2> Like other vaccines, influenza vaccines work by “training” the immune system on a harmless component of the influenza virus (known as an antigen), so it can respond appropriately when the body encounters the real virus. Influenza strains are constantly changing due to genetic mutation, with the pace of genetic change <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10421855">much higher</a> than for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID). The strains that go into the vaccine are <a href="https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/vaccines/who-recommendations">reviewed</a> twice each year by the World Health Organization (WHO), which selects vaccine strains to match the next season’s predicted circulating strains. All current influenza vaccines in <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/meeting-statements/aivc-recommendations-composition-influenza-vaccines-australia-2024">Australia</a> contain four different strains (known as quadrivalent vaccines). One of the strains appeared to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2314801">disappear</a> during the COVID pandemic, and the WHO has recently <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/influenza/who-influenza-recommendations/vcm-southern-hemisphere-recommendation-2024/202309_qanda_recommendation.pdf?sfvrsn=7a6906d1_5">recommended</a> dropping this strain from the vaccine. It’s expected trivalent (three strain) vaccines will become available in the near future. <h2>What’s different about new flu vaccines?</h2> There are eight brands of flu vaccines <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2024?language=en">available</a> in Australia in 2024. These include egg-based vaccines (Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluarix Tetra, Afluria Quad, FluQuadri and Influvac Tetra), cell-based vaccines (Flucelvax Quad), adjuvanted vaccines (Fluad Quad) and high-dose vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose Quad). Until recently, the process of manufacturing flu vaccines has remained similar. Since the development of the influenza vaccine in the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/history-of-influenza-vaccination">1940s</a>, influenza viruses were grown in chicken eggs, then extracted, inactivated, purified and processed to make up the egg-based vaccines that are still used widely. However, there have been several enhancements to influenza vaccines in recent years. Older people’s immune systems tend not to respond as strongly to vaccines. In some flu vaccines, adjuvants (components that stimulate the immune system) are included with the influenza antigens. For example, an adjuvant is used in the Fluad Quad vaccine, recommended for over 65s. Studies <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2021-02/Adjuvanted%20influenza%20vaccine%20vs%20standard%20dose%20influenza%20vaccine%20SoF%20EP%20E2D%20tables_26%20Feb%202021_Final.pdf">suggest</a> adjuvanted influenza vaccines are slightly better than standard egg-based vaccines without adjuvant in older people. An alternative approach to improving the immune response is to use higher doses of the vaccine strains. An example is Fluzone High-Dose Quad – another option for older adults – which contains the equivalent of four doses of a standard influenza vaccine. Studies <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-05/HD%20vs%20sIV%20SoF%20EP%20E2D_March%202022_Final.pdf">suggest</a> the high dose vaccine is better than the standard dose vaccine (without an adjuvant) in preventing hospitalisation and complications in older people. Other manufacturers have updated the manufacturing process. Cell-based vaccines, such as Flucelvax Quad, use cells instead of eggs in the manufacturing process. Other vaccines that are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/advances.htm">not yet available</a> also use different technologies. In the past, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151913/">manufacturing issues</a> with egg-based vaccines have reduced their effectiveness. Using an alternative method of production provides some degree of insurance against this in the future. <h2>What should I do this year?</h2> Given indications this year’s flu season may be earlier than usual, it’s probably safest to get your vaccine early. This is particularly <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2024?language=en">important</a> for those at highest risk of severe illness, including older adults (65 years and over), those with chronic medical conditions, young children (six months to five years) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Influenza vaccines are also recommended in pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby for the first months of life. Influenza vaccines are widely available, including at GP clinics and pharmacies, while many workplaces have occupational programs. For high-risk groups, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine">four of the vaccines</a> are subsidised by the Australian government through the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-immunisation-program">National Immunisation Program</a>. In older people, a number of vaccines are now recommended: <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-covid-19-vaccines-in-2024.pdf">COVID</a> and influenza, as well as one-off courses of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/06/national-immunisation-program-pneumococcal-vaccination-schedule-from-1-july-2020-clinical-advice-for-vaccination-providers.pdf">pneumococcal</a> and <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/shingles-herpes-zoster-immunisation-service">shingles</a> vaccines. In general, most vaccines can be given in the same visit, but talk to your doctor about which ones you need. <h2>Are there side effects?</h2> All influenza vaccines can <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine">cause</a> a sore arm and sometimes more generalised symptoms such as fever and tiredness. These are expected and reflect the immune system reacting appropriately to the vaccine, and are mostly mild and short-term. These side effects are slightly more common in <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2021-02/Adjuvanted%20influenza%20vaccine%20vs%20standard%20dose%20influenza%20vaccine%20SoF%20EP%20E2D%20tables_26%20Feb%202021_Final.pdf">adjuvanted</a> and <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-05/HD%20vs%20sIV%20SoF%20EP%20E2D_March%202022_Final.pdf">high dose</a> vaccines. As with all medications and vaccines, allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis can occur after the flu vaccine. All vaccine providers are trained to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis. People with egg allergies should discuss this with their doctor, but in general, <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/egg-allergy-flu-vaccine">studies suggest</a> they can safely receive any (including egg-based) influenza vaccines. Serious side effects from the influenza vaccine, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological complication, are very rare (one case per million people vaccinated). They are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23810252/">thought</a> to be less common after influenza vaccination than after infection with influenza.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226623/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/allen-cheng-94997">Allen Cheng</a>, Professor of Infectious Diseases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/there-are-new-flu-vaccines-on-offer-for-2024-should-i-get-one-what-do-i-need-to-know-226623">original article</a>.

Body

Drinking olive oil: a health and beauty elixir or celebrity fad in a shot glass?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hazel-flight-536221">Hazel Flight</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edge-hill-university-1356">Edge Hill University</a> In the ever-changing world of wellness trends and celebrity endorsed health fads there is a new trend on the scene: daily olive oil shots. Celebrities such as <a href="https://poosh.com/why-kourtney-kardashian-drinks-tablespoon-evoo/">Kourtney Kardashian</a>, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow and <a href="https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/jennifer-lopez-credits-her-grandmas-crazy-beauty-secret-for-glowing-skin-and-chances-are-you-already-have-it-at-home/">Jennifer Lopez</a> all extol the virtues of swigging extra virgin as well as slathering it on their skin, crediting olive oil for their glowing complexions. Lopez even based her JLo Beauty brand around the kitchen staple, claiming that her age-defying looks were not the result of botox or surgery but the family beauty secret: <a href="https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/jennifer-lopez-skincare-routine/">moisturising with olive oil</a>. And she’s in good company. Hollywood star <a href="https://jnews.uk/goldie-hawn-swears-by-olive-oil-for-perfect-skin-at-76-best-life/">Goldie Hawn reportedly drinks olive oil</a> before bed and uses it topically as a moisturiser, while <a href="https://www.redonline.co.uk/beauty/a31184313/julia-roberts-olive-oil-hair-skin/">beauty icon Sophia Loren</a> really goes to town by bathing in the stuff. While these celebrities swear by the skin beautifying properties of olive oil, some skin types should <a href="https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1182&context=jdvi#:%7E:text=Background%3A%20Dry%20skin%20or%20xerosis,water%20in%20the%20stratum%20corneum.">give it a swerve</a>. Those <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dth.14436">prone to acne</a> or eczema, for example, might find the <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(21)00813-7/fulltext">olive oil exacerbates their problems</a>. Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/">dermatologists warn against</a> using it as skin care altogether – bad news for JLo. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3F7uc9jV9V4?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Thanks largely to celebrity promotion, drinking olive oil has now become a <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/tiktok-dua-lipa-ice-cream-olive-oil-b2479725.html">worldwide TikTok sensation</a>. Viral videos show influencers tossing back shots of cult olive oil brands, and proclaiming a wide range of health benefits from improving digestion to clearing up acne. Celebrity and influencers are sold on liquid gold but what about the rest of us? Can drinking olive oil really work on miracles for our health? <h2>The benefits of olive oil</h2> There’s no doubt that olive oil is full of good stuff. It’s high in polyphenols and antioxidants, which have protective qualities for the body’s tissues. It’s also a rich source of essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, which is known for <a href="https://foodrevolution.org/blog/olives-and-olive-oil-benefits/#:%7E:text=Compared%20with%20olives%2C%20olive%20oil,in%20polyphenols%20and%20antioxidants%2C%20however">lowering cholesterol</a> so reducing the chances of heart disease. Research has found that the inclusion of olive oil in the diet shows encouraging effects in a variety of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu11092039">inflammatory and medical diseases</a> and can <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffnut.2022.980429">support weight management</a> if used correctly. Replacing butter, margarine, mayonnaise and dairy fat with olive oil has been linked to a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jacc.2021.10.041">lower risk of mortality</a>. There’s also evidence to suggest that the protective compounds in olive oil may help <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0261649">guard against cancer</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10376491/">dementia</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29141573/">support the liver</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916323/">and kidneys</a>. But none of this is new information to health professionals. The health benefits of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466243/">extra virgin olive oil</a> are <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu11092039">well researched</a> and nutritionists have promoted olive oil as a swap for saturated cooking fat for years. After all, the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536728/">Mediterranean diet</a> has been touted as one of the healthiest diets in the world for decades. The diet itself can vary from region to region, but <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu15092127">virgin olive oil</a> is a <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu11092039">consistent element</a>. It’s used as the <a href="https://www.themediterraneandish.com/cooking-with-olive-oil/">main source of cooking fat</a> and included in everything from salad dressings to bread. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krFcE5IPT7g?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Can fat be healthy? Yes and no</h2> Fats are crucial for a balanced diet, aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K and enhancing the nutritional value of meals. However, fat of any kind is also dense in calories and excessive consumption <a href="https://doi.org/10.1159/000336848">can lead to weight gain</a>. According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/17-07-2023-who-updates-guidelines-on-fats-and-carbohydrates">World Health Organization</a>, to prevent unhealthy weight gain, adults should limit their intake of fat to 30% of total energy intake with no more than 10% coming from saturated fats. Two tablespoons of olive oil – the standard amount in the shots taken by celebrities and social media influencers – contain 28g of fat (238 calories) and 3.8g of saturated fat equating to <a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171413/nutrients">19% of the recommended daily intake</a>. That daily shot of extra virgin, then, might not be the best idea. Adding small amounts of olive oil to meals throughout the day is a more balanced – and appetising – approach to incorporating healthy fats into your diet. But what about Kourtney Kardashian’s <a href="https://poosh.com/why-kourtney-kardashian-drinks-tablespoon-evoo/#:%7E:text=First%20things%20first%2C%20it's%20recommended,a.m.%20(every%20other%20day).">claim that</a>: “It’s recommended to consume extra virgin olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach so the oil can coat your system and neutralize your stomach walls for optimal benefits?” <a href="https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/briefs/consuming-olive-oil-on-an-empty-stomach-health-benefits/91503">Some brands</a> have also echoed the idea that consuming olive oil on an empty stomach offers unique health benefits. But no. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest this is true. For a healthy but more satisfying snack, Kourtney might try including a handful of olives into her daily diet. Olives offer the same rich array of nutrients, including vitamins E, A and K, alongside essential minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and amino acids. Unlike olive oil, olives have the added benefit of a high fibre content. The combination of fat and fibre enhances feelings of satiety, making olives a nutritious addition to the diet.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224018/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hazel-flight-536221">Hazel Flight</a>, Programme Lead Nutrition and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edge-hill-university-1356">Edge Hill University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/drinking-olive-oil-a-health-and-beauty-elixir-or-celebrity-fad-in-a-shot-glass-224018">original article</a>.

Beauty & Style

Rob Dale "destroyed" after police shot dead pet dog

Rob Dale, who has previously starred in reality TV show Aussie Gold Hunters, was left heartbroken after his pet dog Monty was shot dead during an arrest in Perth's north-east. Police were making an arrest in Dale's house on Stratton Blvd at around 9:30am on Tuesday when the incident occurred. “While at the residence, a dog owned by another person approached and attacked the arrested suspect and a female police officer,” authorities said at the time. A male officer fired at Monty "to prevent further injury". Two men were arrested for aggravated home burglary and commit, stealing and trespassing, after a series of incidences that led police officers to Dale's home. Dale was not home at the time of the incident, and there is no suggestion that he was involved in any alleged crimes. The TV personality said that his nine-year-old French mastiff x Great Dane, was a much loved “member of the family," and he was only trying to protect the occupants of the house. “He was loyal and protective and he gave me a lot of comfort knowing that if anything was to happen ... my family would be safe with him,” Dale said. “This has destroyed my children and myself.” Dale described his pet as a “really soft-natured animal”, and was a "protector of the family”. “He was just fulfilling his duty in that house and that’s to protect the occupants, and it’s cost him his life,” Dale added. Both the suspect and police officer were taken to hospital after the incident and discharged on Tuesday afternoon. Images: 7NEWS

Family & Pets

I think I have the flu. Should I ask my GP for antivirals?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lara-herrero-1166059">Lara Herrero</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wesley-freppel-1408971">Wesley Freppel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yong-qian-koo-1457640">Yong Qian Koo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> If you test positive for COVID and you’re eligible for antivirals, you’ll likely ask your GP for a script to protect you from severe disease. <a href="https://healthdispatch.com.au/news/immunisation-coalition-urging-people-with-flu-like-symptoms-to-g">Antivirals</a> are also available to fight influenza viruses, via a doctor’s prescription. But they have a mixed history, with their benefits at times <a href="https://theconversation.com/controversies-in-medicine-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-challenge-to-tamiflu-38287">overstated</a>. It can be difficult to get an appointment to see your GP. So when should you make the effort to see a GP for a prescription for influenza antivirals? And how effective are they? <h2>What exactly is influenza?</h2> The flu is primarily a viral infection of the respiratory system that can spread through sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated objects then touching your nose or mouth. Common symptoms include headache, sore throat, fever, runny or blocked nose and body aches that last a week or more. Influenza is actually a group of viruses, divided into several <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm#:%7E:text=There%20are%20four%20types%20of,global%20epidemics%20of%20flu%20disease,%20https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/background-epidemiology.htm">sub-groups</a>. Flu A and B are the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/aisr?language=en,%20https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/australian-influenza-surveillance-reports-2023?language=en">most common groups</a> that circulate in humans. <h2>What are flu antivirals?</h2> Influenza antivirals, target specific parts of the viral life cycle, which prevents the virus replicating and spreading. Most flu antivirals <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra050740">target</a> neuraminidase, an important enzyme the virus uses to release itself from cells. On the other hand, COVID antivirals work by inhibiting other parts of the viral life cycle involved in the <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/tga-provisionally-approves-two-oral-covid-19-treatments-molnupiravir-lagevrio-and-nirmatrelvir-ritonavir-paxlovid">virus replicating itself</a>. Three influenza antivirals are <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/influenza-overview-on-prevention-and-therapy.html#r20">used in Australia</a>. Relenza (zanamivir) is an inhaled powder and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a capsule; both are five-day treatments. Rapivab (peramivir) is a single injection. These antivirals may also come with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm">side effects</a>, such as a headache, vomiting, cough, or <a href="https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/resources/antiviral-treatments-for-influenza/">fever</a>. Tamiflu and Relenza generally cost A$40-50 in Australia, plus the cost of the consultation fee with your doctor, if applicable. <h2>How effective are antivirals for the flu?</h2> Antivirals have the greatest effect if started 24-72 hours after symptoms. This is to prevent the virus from reaching <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/5/3018">high levels in the body</a>. Among healthy adults, if Relenza or Tamiflu are started within 48 hours from your first symptoms, they can <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008965.pub4/full">reduce the duration</a> of symptoms such as cough, blocked nose, sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and fever by just under a day. For people who have developed severe flu symptoms or who have existing health conditions such as heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), antivirals that start later (but still before day five of symptoms) can still reduce the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/52/4/457/378776?login=true">severity of infection</a> and reduce the <a href="https://thorax.bmj.com/content/thoraxjnl/65/6/510.full.pdf?frbrVersion=3">chance of</a> <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/215903">hospitalisation</a> and <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/72/11/2990/4091484?login=false">death</a>. In a study from the 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic in the United States, treatment with antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358088/">reduced</a> the chance of needing to be hospitalised. Around 60% of hospitalisations prevented were among 18-64 years olds, around 20% in children 0-17 years, and 20% in adults aged over 65. The research is less clear about whether antivirals prevent the development of flu complications such as secondary bacterial pneumonia. They might, but so far the data aren’t clear. <h2>Are flu antivirals becoming less effective?</h2> Antiviral resistance to Tamiflu has been <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10096-020-03840-9">reported</a> around the world, mostly in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7223162/">immunocompromised people</a>, as they <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10096-020-03840-9">have</a> a weakened immune system that allows higher viral loads and prolonged viral shedding. The impact of the antiviral resistance is unclear but there is evidence indicating resistant strains can uphold their ability to replicate effectively and spread. So far it’s not clear if these stains cause more severe disease. However, government agencies and surveillance programs are constantly monitoring the spread of antiviral resistance. Currently there is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/antiviralresistance.htm">minimal concern</a> for strains that are resistant to Tamiflu or Relenza. <h2>Antivirals can also prevent the flu if you’ve been exposed</h2> Tamiflu and Relenza can also be used to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irv.12046">prevent flu infections</a>, if we’re exposed to the virus or come into contact with infected people. Some studies suggest Tamiflu and Relenza can <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/326/7401/1235.long">reduce the chance of developing symptomatic influenza</a> by 70-90%. Many health agencies around the world <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8165743/">recommend</a> “prophylactic” treatment for high-risk patients in hospitals or age care setting when people have been in contact with others infected with influenza. <h2>So who should talk to their GP about a prescription?</h2> <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/racf-antiviral-treatments-and-prophylaxis.aspx#:%7E:text=The%20Australian%20Therapeutic%20Guidelines*%20recommends,of%20severe%20disease%20from%20influenza.&text=people%20with%20chronic%20conditions%20including,heart%20disease">Australian guidelines recommend</a> doctors offer antivirals to people with influenza who have severe disease or complications. Doctors can also consider treatment for people at higher risk of developing severe disease from influenza. This includes: <ul> <li>adults aged 65 years or older</li> <li>pregnant women</li> <li>people with certain chronic conditions (heart disease, Down syndrome, obesity, chronic respiratory conditions, severe neurological conditions)</li> <li>people with compromised immunity</li> <li>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people</li> <li>children aged five years or younger</li> <li>residents of long-term residential facilities</li> <li>homeless people.</li> </ul> Doctors can prescribe antivirals for the prevention of influenza <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/influenza-overview-on-prevention-and-therapy.html#r20">in</a> vulnerable people who have been exposed to the virus. Antiviral treatment also can be <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm#:%7E:text=Antiviral%20treatment%20also%20can%20be,48%20hours%20of%20illness%20onset">considered</a> for otherwise healthy symptomatic patients who have confirmed or suspected influenza, if they can start treatment within 48 hours of developing symptoms. In some instances a doctors can make a clinical diagnosis of influenza based on the symptoms and known close flu positive contacts of the patient. However, it is preferred to have flu diagnosed by one of the approved diagnostic tests, such as a <a href="https://24-7medcare.com.au/influenza/australian-gp-influenza-2023-guide/">rapid antigen test</a> (RAT) or the more accurate <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/influenza_factsheet.aspx">PCR test</a>, similar to what is perfomed for COVID. There are also now combo tests that can <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/first-combination-covid-19-and-influenza-self-tests-approved-australia">distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus</a>. Remember, the flu can cause <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-23/flu-season-hitting-children-hard-antivirals-may-help/102633722">severe illness or death</a>, particularly among people from the high-risk groups. So if you think you might have the flu, wear a mask and stay away to avoid spreading the virus to others. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210457/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lara-herrero-1166059">Lara Herrero</a>, Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wesley-freppel-1408971">Wesley Freppel</a>, Research Fellow, Institute for Glycomics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yong-qian-koo-1457640">Yong Qian Koo</a>, , <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-think-i-have-the-flu-should-i-ask-my-gp-for-antivirals-210457">original article</a>.

Body

Taking an antidepressant? Mixing it with other medicines – including some cold and flu treatments – can be dangerous

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/treasure-mcguire-135225">Treasure McGuire</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> In the depths of winter we are more at risk of succumbing to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522168/">viral respiratory infections</a> – from annoying sore throat, common cold and sinusitis, to the current resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection range in severity. They can include fever, chills, muscle or body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, earache, headache, and fatigue. Most antibiotics target bacteria so are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32495003/">not effective</a> for viral infections. Many people seek relief with over-the-counter medicines. While evidence varies, guidelines suggest medicines taken by mouth (such as cough syrups or cold and flu tablets) have a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25420096/">limited but potentially positive</a> short-term role for managing upper respiratory infection symptoms in adults and children older than 12. These include: <ul> <li>paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever</li> <li>decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine</li> <li>expectorants and mucolytics to thin and clear mucus from upper airways</li> <li>dry cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan</li> <li>sedating or non-sedating antihistamines for runny noses or watery eyes.</li> </ul> But what if you have been prescribed an antidepressant? What do you need to know before going to the pharmacy for respiratory relief? <h2>Avoiding harm</h2> An audit of more than 5,000 cough-and-cold consumer enquiries to an Australian national medicine call centre found questions frequently related to drug-drug interactions (29%). An 18-month analysis showed 20% of calls <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26590496/">concerned</a> potentially significant interactions, particularly with antidepressants. Australia remains in the “<a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-health-%20prescriptions#Prescriptionsbytype">top ten</a>” antidepressant users in the <a href="https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=HEALTH_PHMC">OECD</a>. More than <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-health-prescriptions">32 million</a> antidepressant prescriptions are dispensed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme each year. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression but are also used in chronic pain and incontinence. They are classified primarily by how they affect chemical messengers in the nervous system. These classes are: <ul> <li>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, escitalopram, paroxetine and sertraline</li> <li>serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) such as desvenlafaxine, duloxetine and venlafaxine</li> <li>tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) such as amitriptyline, doxepin and imipramine</li> <li>monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as tranylcypromine</li> <li>atypical medicines such as agomelatine, mianserin, mirtazapine, moclobemide, reboxetine and vortioxetine</li> <li>complementary medicines including St John’s wort, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) and L-tryptophan</li> </ul> Medicines within the same class of antidepressants have similar actions and side-effect profiles. But the molecular differences of individual antidepressants mean they may have different interactions with medicines taken at the same time. <h2>Types of drug interactions</h2> Drug interactions can be: <ul> <li>pharmacokinetic – what the body does to a drug as it moves into, through and out of the body. When drugs are taken together, one may affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination of the other</li> <li>pharmacodynamic – what a drug does to the body. When drugs are taken together, one may affect the action of the other. Two drugs that independently cause sedation, for example, may result in excessive drowsiness if taken together.</li> </ul> There are many <a href="https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/pnp.429">potential interactions</a> between medications and antidepressants. These include interactions between over-the-counter medicines for upper respiratory symptoms and antidepressants, especially those taken orally. Concentrations of nasal sprays or inhaled medicines are generally lower in the blood stream. That means they are less likely to interact with other medicines. <h2>What to watch for</h2> It’s important to get advice from a pharmacist before taking any medications on top of your antidepressant. Two symptoms antidepressant users should monitor for shortly after commencing a cough or cold medicine are central nervous system effects (irritability, insomnia or drowsiness) and effects on blood pressure. For example, taking a selective SSRI antidepressant and an oral decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) can cause irritability, insomnia and affect blood pressure. Serotonin is a potent chemical compound produced naturally for brain and nerve function that can also constrict blood vessels. Medicines that affect serotonin are common and include most antidepressant classes, but also decongestants, dextromethorphan, St John’s wort, L-tryptophan, antimigraine agents, diet pills and amphetamines. <a href="https://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker">Combining drugs</a> such as antidepressants and decongestants that both elevate serotonin levels can cause irritability, headache, insomnia, diarrhoea and blood pressure effects – usually increased blood pressure. But some people experience orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing up) and dizziness. For example, taking both a serotonin and SNRI antidepressant and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) can add up to high serotonin levels. This can also occur with a combination of the complementary medicine St John’s Wort and an oral decongestant. Where serotonin levels are too high, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15666281/">severe symptoms</a> such as confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, seizures and even death have been reported. Such symptoms are rare but if you notice any of these you should stop taking the cold and flu medication straight away and seek medical attention. <h2>Ways to avoid antidepressant drug interactions</h2> There are a few things we can do to prevent potentially dangerous interactions between antidepressants and cold and flu treatments. 1. Better information Firstly, there should be more targeted, consumer-friendly, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm">online drug interaction information</a> available for antidepressant users. 2. Prevent the spread of viral infections as much as possible Use the non-drug strategies that have worked well for COVID: regular hand washing, good personal hygiene, social distancing, and facemasks. Ensure adults and children are up to date with immunisations. 3. Avoid potential drug interactions with strategies to safely manage symptoms Consult your pharmacist for strategies most appropriate for you and only use cold and flu medications while symptoms persist: <ul> <li>treat muscle aches, pain, or a raised temperature with analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen</li> <li>relieve congestion with a nasal spray decongestant</li> <li>clear mucus from upper airways with expectorants or mucolytics</li> <li>dry up a runny nose or watery eyes with a non-sedating antihistamine.</li> </ul> Avoid over-the-counter cough suppressants for an irritating dry cough. Use a simple alternative such as honey, steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a non-medicated lozenge instead. 4. Ask whether your symptoms could be more than the common cold Could it be influenza or COVID? Seek medical attention if you are concerned or your symptoms are not improving. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/208662/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/treasure-mcguire-135225">Treasure McGuire</a>, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/taking-an-antidepressant-mixing-it-with-other-medicines-including-some-cold-and-flu-treatments-can-be-dangerous-208662">original article</a>.

Body

Sonia Kruger’s cheeky shot during Logies victory speech

The 2023 Logie Awards ceremony was filled with memorable moments, both triumphant and awkward. Sam Pang took on the role of the host, becoming the first in 11 years to do so. He kicked off the proceedings with a pointed and humorous monologue, highlighting the win for diversity as the first-ever host representing both Channel 7 and Channel 10. “I would like to acknowledge a win for diversity tonight. I am the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half - half Channel 7 and half Channel 10,” Pang began. “Let’s be honest, it’s just be great to have an Asian on Channel 7 who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security,” he continued, telling viewers to strap in for the “two-day” ceremony. One of the night's obvious highlights was the announcement of the Gold Logie winner, Sonia Kruger. Overwhelmed with joy, Sonia expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone involved in her shows, including Big Brother, Dancing With the Stars, and The Voice. She also playfully teased last year's Gold Logie winner, Hamish Blake, for sharing the same agent and their agent's hopes for concentrating on her in the future. Kruger quoted a conversation with the agent who had allegedly told her “I think people are a little over Hamish [Blake].” She added that the man had told her “Frankly I am hoping that he will leave the agency, so I can concentrate all of my efforts on you, Sonia”. Karl Stefanovic, on the other hand, faced a challenging moment during his appearance. Trying to add some impromptu humour to introduce a tribute to Barry Humphries, his joke about David Koch's favourite show, Bump, fell flat with the audience. “I did want to just check something... I am pretty sure before I heard Kochie say he loves Bump’s.... season 3. Did anyone mishear that? Because I am pretty sure I did. Anyway, those are the headlines tomorrow morning...” Karl said. The cameras caught Kochie looking bewildered to say the least. Sam Pang then by saying “I don’t want to say Karl’s joke about Kochie sank, but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it.” Following the In Memoriam segment, Sam Pang dedicated another In Memoriam to TV shows that had low ratings in the past year. This included Seven's Blow-Up, lacking the entertainment, artistry, and family fun it aimed for, and Ten's The Real Love Boat, which seemingly did not receive favourable reviews. Throughout the night, Sam Pang entertained the audience with a series of witty remarks. He thanked those who declined the hosting gig, <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">including Hamish Blake: “I appreciate it, mate, some of us have a mortgage,” said Pang. “By the way, a mortgage is when the bank loans... Ah,don’t worry about it.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He joked that Kenny star Shane Jacobson said yes to hosting, “before even knowing what the question was.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Karl Stefanovic said yes, as long the show was held in a park in Noosa.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Eventually, it came down to two candidates, but “Rolf Harris said no, so here we are.” Then he took aim at the stars of MAFS, seated in the audience - he welcomed them to their “last-ever Logies." <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“The Voice is nominated tonight," continued Pang, "despite Peter Dutton’s strong opposition to the nomination...” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“The Block shows Australians what it is like to own their own home, making it the greatest fantasy series since Game of Thrones.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He said I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! is “a wonderful show where we find out which Australian celebrities haven’t been adding to their super. Hi Kerri-Anne!” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He noted that Hamish Blake is up for his second Gold Logie this year, while comedy partner Andy Lee... “is mates with Hamish.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He paid tribute to recently retired Sunrise host David Koch, who “changed breakfast television forever. Warmth, humour, personality... you needed none of those.” <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And then Today host Karl Stefanovic, sat with co-host Sarah Abo. Or as Pang put it: “Sitting next to your co-host - who do you have this year, Karl?” He said Karl’s table would only be more fun if “Michael Clarke was on it.” While Pang's monologue ended on a controversial note with a joke about being an Asian on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, the overall ceremony was filled with moments that kept the audience entertained. He also advised audience members “not to mix beer and wine, and make sure that you don’t mix your acceptance speech with an active court case.” Images: Channel Seven

What happens in our body when we encounter and fight off a virus like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 or RSV?

Body

“Done with the vaccine”: Karl Stefanovic blasts fifth booster

Karl Stefanovic has once again sparked controversy after declaring he is “done with the vaccine.” Karl shocked viewers after expressing concerns that the jab could cause “heart issues” as the Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI) updated its vaccine recommendations. According to the ATAGI, as of February 20, anyone aged 18 and over who has not had the COVID vaccine or has not contracted the virus in the past six months will be eligible to get another shot - opening up a fourth dose for Aussies aged 19-29 and a fifth dose for those 65 and over. “As you know, I am not a glowing ambassador for more than two shots,” Stefanovic said. The Today show host then questioned whether another dose would be able to fight new strains of the virus, stating he is aware of people “over the age of 60 who are still incredibly nervous about getting it." “The other thing that I am concerned about, if I have another dose, is that I may get complications,” he said. The host’s guest, medical expert Dr Nick Coatsway insisted Australians aged 60 and over “needn’t be” scared of the jab but added that the conceded boosters are only a temporary solution. “Let’s understand the science, if you get a fifth dose your protection is enhanced for around about 8-12 weeks and then it returns after the fourth dose or the third dose,” Dr Coatsworth said. The ATAGI has again emphasised the importance of Aussies who are already eligible, including people over 65, to get their booster in 2023 as they remain at high risk of severe disease and death from COVID. Currently, there is no additional booster available to those 18 and below, with the exception of children aged 5-17 who are at high risk of developing a severe illness. Image credit: Getty

6 habits of people who don’t get sick

Winter is a dangerous time. Although cold temperatures themselves don’t cause us to get sick, our winter habits invite the spread of germs and risk of contagion is high. If you find yourself sick every winter, here are some useful habits of those healthy people to take up. 1. They get enough sleep It’s easy to experience disrupted sleep during winter. When air is too cold, it will negatively affect melatonin production and cause the body's sleep cycle to be disrupted. However, research shows that people who sleep only five to six hours a night have a 30 per cent chance of catching a cold when exposed to the virus; those who get more than seven hours reduce their risk to 17 per cent. 2. They pay extra attention to hygiene With more germs in the air, now is the time to stay conscious about where they may be festering. Key areas include bathroom door handles, taps, fridges, elevator buttons and public transport. Keep antibacterial wipes on you so whenever you touch a high risk surface, you can cleanse you hand before eating, or touching your face and eyes. 3. They exercise regularly Winter is notorious for zapping our work-out motivation. However, exercise strengthens the immune system and makes you less likely to catch upper respiratory infections. 4. The get their flu shot Flu shots, approved for all adults, are effective 50 to 60 per cent of the time in preventing the flu and may also reduce the severity of symptoms. 5. They don’t smoke Cigarette smoke appears to damage the mucus membranes, which act as the frontline barrier to infectious agents, making smokers twice as likely to catch a cold and several times more likely to develop the flu. 6. They enjoy a drink Harvard University School of Public Health researchers found that red wine was particularly protective against colds, probably due to the anti-inflammatory action of the phenol, resveratrol. Just keep in mind that drinking more than two glasses a day raises the risk for infections. Image credit: Shutterstock

Body

Parents' grim warning after losing 3-year-old to flu

Doctors have issued a crucial warning for parents after a healthy and happy Perth toddler became the youngest person in Western Australia to die from the flu in 2023. Muhammed Saadiq Segaff is being remembered as a cheerful but cheeky boy after dying from a strain of the flu virus, influenza A. The three-year-old’s health rapidly declined at Fiona Stanley Hospital, located about 16km from the state's capital, where the toddler went from having difficulty breathing to cardiac arrest. As a result, he underwent open heart surgery before being transported to Perth’s Children's Hospital where doctors and nurses had to use a machine to keep Muhammed’s blood pumping during the transfer. Yet despite their best efforts, they couldn’t save his life, with his parents making the painful decision to turn off his life support on May 26 after his family flew in from Singapore to say their goodbyes. Although influenza is a common virus, it can be fatal in high risk groups as it attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches, with most fit and healthy people able to recover without seeing a doctor. However, young children, senior adults, unhealthy adults and pregnant women have an increased chance of contracting more severe cases due to being immunocompromised. Doctors advise getting a flu shot annually, but statistics are showing that the uptake of flu vaccines in WA in 2023 is slower than usual. “We have a significant and effective prevention strategy for flu, it’s a flu vaccine,” Perth Children’s Hospital infectious diseases specialist Chris Blyth told 7News. Despite the chilling warning, less than 14 per cent of children under five have gotten the vaccination in WA, with a slimmer figure for those aged between five and 15 years old. Dr Blyth said about 10 per cent of children who are admitted to hospital with the flu require intensive care. Parents are advised to monitor children for unusual symptoms associated with the flu, such as breathlessness and fast breathing, which Dr Blyth warned could impact the heart. “Confusion or drowsiness is another important sign. Both of those things would make me want to seek medical advice,” he said. “In the middle of winter, our hospitals are full of people with respiratory illnesses but if parents think their child is much sicker than they normally are they should be seeking advice.” Muhammed’s parents hope that by sharing their son’s heartbreaking story, more parents will consider vaccinating their children against the flu annually. “No parents want this to happen to their own children,” Muhammed’s mother Shikin Hasnawi told 7News. “We just miss him so much,” his father Segaff Sinin said. The WA government has extended its free flu vaccine rollout to children and seniors until the end of June in an attempt to encourage further uptake of the shot. Image credit: 7 News Perth

Caring

I’m over 65 and worried about the flu. Which vaccine should I have?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-plebanski-1063786">Magdalena Plebanski</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-boer-1210047">Jennifer Boer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-louise-flanagan-1066858">Katie Louise Flanagan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kirsty-wilson-1103649">Kirsty Wilson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Influenza, or the flu, is a virus transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can cause the sudden onset of a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain. In Australia, the flu is responsible for <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-cdi4004f.htm">more than 5,000 hospitalisation and 100 deaths</a> a year. The highest rates are among those over 65, whose immune systems aren’t as effective as they used to be, and children under five, whose immune systems are yet to mature. To combat the decline in immunity as we age, specific vaccines are available for people aged 65 and over. So how do they work, and why exactly are they needed? <h2>Remind me, how does the immune system work?</h2> The immune system uses multiple mechanisms to fight viral infections, which can be divided into two major arms of the immune system, called innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity involves multiple inflammatory cells and chemicals that are triggered immediately, or within hours of encountering an infection. They activate the immune system to clear the infection. Adaptive immunity takes a little longer (weeks) to work and involves memory T cells and antibody-producing B cells, which can be reactivated when the body encounters a virus or other pathogen. The combined innate and adaptive immune response determines how well we respond to an invading virus like influenza. <h2>Why are older people more at risk from the flu?</h2> Generally, as we age past 65, the innate cells become less effective at their job of clearing infections. They also start <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100616-060718">producing more inflammation</a>. New T and B cell numbers also decrease with increasing age and hence the adaptive immune response is also not as effective as when we are younger. This immune system decline is called immunosenescence, which leads to increased susceptibility, hospitalisation and death from influenza.Certain medical conditions, such as cancer and heart and lung conditions, increase susceptibility to severe influenza, with older people being more likely to have additional medical conditions than younger people. <h2>What flu vaccines are available?</h2> <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine">Annual flu vaccines</a> are recommended to protect against the common circulating strains of influenza, which can differ from year to year. The standard flu vaccines offered to adults aged under 65 consist of surface proteins of the virus or inactivated (killed) virus from four influenza strains: two A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two B strains. When you’re vaccinated, your immune system makes antibodies from B cells which protect you if you become exposed to these strains of the virus. However, the standard influenza vaccine is less effective in older people. Two stronger or augmented vaccines have been made targeting this age group. They contain the same components as the standard vaccine, but one vaccine – called <a href="https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-01074-1&d=20230529172310101">Fluad</a> – uses a strong adjuvant (an agent used to increase the immune response to vaccination) called MF59 to stimulate better immunity. The other augmented vaccine, called <a href="https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-02062-1">Fluzone</a>, uses a four-fold higher dose of each influenza strain to increase immunity. <h2>How do they compare?</h2> <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/11/e4251/5992287?login=false">Studies comparing Fluad and Fluzone</a> show both vaccines stimulate stronger immunity against influenza than the standard flu vaccine and are therefore likely to provide better protection. Studies directly testing for improved clinical outcomes with vaccines for over-65s show a small benefit of receiving either of the vaccines over the standard vaccine, including a modest decrease in lab-confirmed influenza, <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(17)30235-7/fulltext">hospitalisations</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7563546/">emergency department visits</a> compared to the standard influenza vaccine. They are however yet to show and impact on flu-related deaths. <figure class="align-right "> </figure> In the few studies comparing <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/11/e4251/5992287?login=false">Fluad and Fluzone directly</a>, there is little evidence of a difference between them in reducing influenza and serious flu outcomes. <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-advice-on-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2023">The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation therefore recommends</a> using either Fluad or Fluzone. While both have been Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved since 2020, only Fluad is available for free on the National Immunisation Program for people aged 65 and over. Fluzone is only available with a private prescription if you’re 60 years and over, at a cost of around A$65-70. If neither augmented vaccine is available, a standard influenza vaccine is also acceptable for older people, since any influenza vaccine is preferable to receiving none. Flu vaccines can also be given at the same time as COVID vaccines. <h2>How else can we protect against the flu?</h2> While influenza vaccination is the single most effective way of preventing influenza, other measures such as social distancing and wearing a mask or N95 respirator can also provide some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/">community protection</a>. Wearing a mask or N95 respirator significantly <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/">reduces the risk</a> of infecting others when infected. The evidence for protecting oneself against infection is less conclusive, mainly because it’s linked to early, consistent and, importantly, the <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/influenza/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-setting-in-influenza-a-(h1n1)-outbreaks.pdf?sfvrsn=24a45a95_1&download=true">correct use of masks</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204810/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-plebanski-1063786">Magdalena Plebanski</a>, Professor of Immunology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-boer-1210047">Jennifer Boer</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-louise-flanagan-1066858">Katie Louise Flanagan</a>, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Clinical Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kirsty-wilson-1103649">Kirsty Wilson</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-over-65-and-worried-about-the-flu-which-vaccine-should-i-have-204810">original article</a>.

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Should I get a flu vaccine this year? Here’s what you need to know

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-griffin-1129798">Paul Griffin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> After having low rates of influenza (flu) transmission in recent years thanks to our COVID control strategies, case numbers are now rising. So far this year, Australia has had <a href="https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/news-data/influenza-statistics/">more than 32,000</a> lab-confirmed cases of the flu and 32 deaths. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect against getting the flu. These are reformulated each year to protect against the most widely circulating strains – if our predictions are right. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the 2023 flu vaccine. But first, some flu basics. <h2>What are the different types of flu?</h2> There are two main types of influenza: influenza A and influenza B. On the surface of the influenza virus there are two main proteins, the hemagglutinin (HA or H) and neuraminidase (NA or N). Different strains are named after their versions of the H and N proteins, as in H1N1 or “swine flu”. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=396&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=396&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=396&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=498&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=498&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/525044/original/file-20230509-15-c78c12.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=498&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>HA is the yellow spike, while the NA is the green oval. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/structure-influenza-virus-infographics-vector-illustration-542924464?src=ixiW0w-59I3I17RpN4L3wQ-1-12">Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Minor changes in the proteins (HA and NA) on the surface are common because the enzyme the virus uses to make copies of itself is prone to errors. Sometimes the influenza virus can change more abruptly when it mixes up components from different influenza viruses – including influenza viruses that typically infect birds, pigs or bats – to create a virus that’s basically new. The regular change in the virus is the reason the vaccine is updated every year. The <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/about-tga/advisory-bodies-and-committees/australian-influenza-vaccine-committee-aivc">Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee</a> meets late in the year to plan what should be included in the vaccine for the following season, after considering what happened in our last flu season and in the Northern hemisphere winter. <h2>What strains does this year’s flu shot protect against?</h2> Modern flu vaccines typically protect against four strains. For this year’s vaccine, the committee <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/meeting-statements/aivc-recommendations-composition-influenza-vaccines-australia-2023">has recommended</a> it includes: <ul> <li> an A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus </li> <li> an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus </li> <li> a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus </li> <li> a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus. </li> </ul> The naming of the viral components can sometimes be confusing. The name is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm">derived from</a> the virus type (A or B)/the place it was first isolated/strain number/year isolated (virus subtype). This year’s vaccine therefore includes an influenza A virus similar to the 2009 pandemic-causing H1N1 isolated from Sydney in 2021 and a second influenza A virus (H3N2) isolated in Darwin in 2021. Influenza B viruses are classified into 2 lineages: Victoria and Yamagata. This year’s vaccine includes an influenza B isolated from Austria in 2021 (Victoria lineage) and an influenza B isolated in Phuket in 2013 (Yamagata lineage). <h2>Who should get a flu shot?</h2> Health authorities <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine">recommend</a> everyone aged six months of age or over should get the flu vaccine every year. <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/2023-national-immunisation-program-influenza-vaccination-early-advice-for-vaccination-providers">Some groups</a> are at greater risk of significant disease from the flu and can access the flu vaccine for free. This includes: <ul> <li> Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over </li> <li> children aged six months to five years </li> <li> pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy </li> <li> people aged 65 years or over </li> <li> people aged five years to 65 years who have certain underlying health conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys or immune system, and those with diabetes. </li> </ul> <h2>How can I get it?</h2> You can get a flu shot from your local general practice or pharmacy. Or you may have an opportunity to get vaccinated at your workplace if your employer supplies it. While the vaccine is free for those in the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/fighting-flu-starts-with-you-consumer-fact-sheet.pdf">above groups</a>, there can be a consultation or administration fee, depending on where you get your vaccine. If you aren’t eligible for a free vaccine, it usually costs around A$20-$30. <h2>Are there different options?</h2> For over 65s, whose immune systems may not work as well as when they were younger, a <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/atagi-advice-on-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2023.pdf">specific vaccine</a> is available that includes an adjuvant which boosts the immune response. This is free for over-65s under the national immunisation program. A high-dose vaccine is also available for people aged 60 and over. However this isn’t currently funded and costs around $70 on a private prescription. People with egg allergies can safely get the egg-based flu vaccine. However there is also a cell-based immunisation for people who don’t want a vaccine made in eggs. When vaccines are grown in eggs, sometimes the virus can change and this might affect the level of protection. Cell-based vaccines aim to address this issue. The cell-based vaccine isn’t funded so patients will pay around $40 for a private prescription. <h2>How well do they work?</h2> The vaccine’s effectiveness depends on how well the strains in the vaccine match those circulating. It generally <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/aisr-2022-national-influenza-season-summary">reduces</a> the chance of being admitted to hospital with influenza by <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/08/influenza-vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-impact-explained.docx">30-60%</a>. <h2>What are the side effects?</h2> You can’t get the flu from the vaccine as there’s no live virus in it. When people get a flu-like illness after the vaccine, it can be due to mild effects we sometimes see after vaccination, such as headaches, tiredness or some aches and pains. These usually go away <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine#possible-side-effects-of-influenza-vaccination">within a day or two</a>. Alternatively, symptoms after getting a flu shot may be due to another respiratory virus such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that circulates in winter. <h2>When’s the best time to get your flu shot?</h2> The vaccine provides <a href="https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu#vaccine-information">peak protection</a> around three to four months <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine#when-to-get-the-influenza-vaccine">after</a> you get it. The <a href="https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/news-data/influenza-statistics/">peak of the flu season</a> is usually between June and September, however this changes every year and can vary in different parts of the country. Given this, the best time to get the vaccine is usually around late April or early May. So if you haven’t already, now would be a good time to get it.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/203406/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-griffin-1129798">Paul Griffin</a>, Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-i-get-a-flu-vaccine-this-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know-203406">original article</a>.

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King's-eye-view: Story behind incredibly rare shot from palace balcony

Getty photographer Chris Jackson has shared insight into what it was like to capture the coronation, and watch the moment King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla walked out onto Buckingham Palace balcony from a unique perspective. Taking to Instagram, Jackson shared a rare image that gave the public a small sense of what Charles and Camilla would see from the balcony. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6FZQwtiE6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6FZQwtiE6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Jackson (@chrisjacksongetty)</a> </div> </blockquote> "An honour to shoot 'behind the scenes' and a never seen before angle from today's historic Coronation, what a day!!!!!! Save a 🥂 for me!", he captioned the post. That wasn’t the only ‘behind-the-scenes' look at the King and Queen’s time on the Palace balcony. Jackson also shared a photo of the pair watching the Royal Navy, Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force doing a flypast. The image shows the aircraft leaving a trail of red, white and blue exhaust as they flew over the proceedings. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6M3BDNoYw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr6M3BDNoYw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Jackson (@chrisjacksongetty)</a> </div> </blockquote> "What a view! What a day!" Jackson captioned the post. King Charles and Queen Camilla were captured waving to the crowd from the Palace balcony following his coronation at Westminster Abbey. The pair travelled to the infamous site in a royal carriage for the long-lived tradition. Charles and Camilla were joined on the balcony by their royal pages and members of the British royal family. Prince William and Princess Katie appeared on the balcony with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. There were two noticeable absences from the balcony, although neither were expected to be there as only working royals are given the honour of making an appearance on the balcony. Although Prince Harry did attend the coronation, he left shortly afterwards to travel back to the US for his son Archie’s fourth birthday celebrations. Prince Andrew was also present at the coronation but not on the balcony as Charles looks to “slim down” the monarchy. The day marked the first time the royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen waved to the crowd from the balcony, accompanied by Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and their children during Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. She passed away three months later on September 8, 2022, with Prince Charles immediately anointed as King. Image credit: Getty/Instagram

Beauty & Style

"One more shot": Turia Pitt undergoes life-changing surgery

After 12 years of hoping, Turia Pitt has finally undergone a “life-changing” nose surgery to help her breathe better. Pitt, 35, a survivor of the devastating grassfire that broke out in Kimberley during a 2011 ultramarathon, has revealed that she still has trouble breathing because of the shape of her nose. “It’s frustrating because I spend most of my days teaching women how to run, and talking about running, and both of those things - talking and running - require breath,” she shared in a video posted on Instagram. Pitt shared that she’s been wanting to get surgery to fix the issue for 12 years, but has struggled with finding the right surgeon until late last year. “I’m a persistent person, but this cycle of building hope, and having it smashed down over and over again, has been hard,” she added. “It’s been demoralising. But late last year, I heard back from one more surgeon, a bloke in Baltimore in the USA, so I decided to give it one more shot.” In another video she revealed that she also wanted the surgery to look like her best self when she marries her long-term partner and fiancé, Michael Hoskin. “I want surgery for my nose so that I can breathe better, but I also want it to look better too,” she captioned the video. “I want to have a nice big smile, a nice even nose, long glossy wavy hair, my big eyes, my shoulders will be tanned, and I’ll wear a flower crown and black pearls,” she said. She added that even though she wanted to “look really good” for her fiancé, her partner “doesn’t give a s***” how she looks because he loves her regardless. “He loves me now like he loved me before my accident. So it’s not for Michael; this surgery is for me.” Post-surgery, Pitt shared a follow up video of herself in the US with her heavily bandaged nose. She’s been updating her followers on the progress consistently, and on day five showed what her nose looked like with the bandages off. “I can breathe through my nostrils, and I also think that’s helped my voice quality,” she said. In her latest podcast, Yes Darling, You Look Beautiful, she shared further details about how she felt about the surgery and her fiancé’s reaction. “I really like it, I’m happy, I start crying, and when I get back to my hotel room I look at myself in the mirror and I feel more symmetrical,” she said, sharing that her nose is much straighter after initially not being able to see the difference. Pitt also revealed her fiancé’s sweet reaction and how he was “blown away”. “Yes darling, you look very beautiful, it was a wonderful operation”. She said that even though she doesn’t look any different “for the average person on the street”, her fiancé understands that she can be self-conscious about how she looks and supports her decision. Images: Instagram

Caring

Royal photographer admits to faking iconic shot

Jason Bell, the photographer responsible for the official family portraits from Prince George’s 2013 christening, has revealed the truth about the shots - and admitted to faking one significant detail. In the documentary Portrait of the Queen, Bell admitted to feeling pressure over getting the shot just right. It was, after all, the first time that four generations of direct heirs had been captured together in over a century - since Queen Victoria’s reign specifically. The iconic picture sees the Queen and her four heirs - Prince Charles (now King Charles), Prince William, and Prince George - gathered around the chair upon which the Queen sits in the Morning Room at Clarence House, with sunlight streaming in around them. The catch? The light wasn’t real. “A christening picture is a happy picture,” Bell explained, “and when I think about happy, I think about - sort of - summer, and sun, and light, and bright. “So I think in a way, that was my first creative decision going into it. I want[ed] it to feel like a beautiful, warm, summer-y afternoon. “Obviously, the problem with that was I was actually doing the shoot in October in London and, you know, I’m a longtime Londoner, and I know that you can’t rely on London weather. “So, what I did was I put big heavy lights around all of the windows and the window behind them outside in the street. And, you know, to get enough light coming through the windows to really feel like a sort of summer afternoon, you know, you need quite a lot of light.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/03/Portrait_of_the_Queen_Sharmill.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> As well as the big creative decisions necessary on the day, Bell had to plan well ahead, and explained how “it’s always important to research around the project and you know, see what people have done before – who goes where. Where does the Queen go? Where does Prince George go? “You’re thinking about the sort of lineage, if you like, and the structure of the picture wants to reflect [that].” Bell also admitted that he drew inspiration from a portrait of Queen Victoria and her heirs in 1894 - in that picture, Queen Victoria was holding her youngest direct heir, who would go on to become King Edward VIII. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CisbmEIu2vP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CisbmEIu2vP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Bell (@jasonbellphoto)</a> </div> </blockquote> And with the opportunity may have been daunting, and the stakes for his career high, Bell noted that one detail in particular stood out to him, confessing that he was “quite drawn” to it. “The personal element of it, you know, is the same as it is in any other family,” he said, “and that’s kind of interesting watching, you know, them be[ing] a family together if you like.” Images: @jasonbellphoto / Instagram, Portrait of the Queen / Sharmill

Art

Are flu cases already 100 times higher than last year? Here’s what we really know about the 2023 flu season

Alarming <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/flu-cases-australia-update-warning-vulnerable-numbers-rise-100-fold-last-year/55ccbb1d-9613-4e45-85aa-43c905efc8e6">headlines</a> and media coverage <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/the-flu-nearly-disappeared-during-the-pandemic-now-cases-are-soaring-in-australia/a98cybrj8">have said</a> we’ve had 100 times as many influenza cases in the first two months of 2023 compared with the same time the previous year. The coverage suggested we’re in for a bumper flu season, starting early and your best protection was to get a flu vaccine, when available. But that scary sounding 100 figure is misleading. Here’s what’s behind the figures and what we can really expect from the 2023 flu season. <h2>Comparing apples with oranges</h2> In the first two months of 2023, there were 8,474 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. In 2022, over the same period, there were 79 cases. So it might seem this year’s figures are indeed more than 100 times higher than last year’s. But we shouldn’t be alarmed. That’s because in early 2022, influenza cases were artificially low. Strict COVID measures <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj.o2998">almost eliminated</a> influenza outbreaks in 2020 and 2021. Shutting international borders, quarantining, social distancing and mask-wearing stopped influenza coming into the country and spreading. Many COVID restrictions weren’t relaxed until late February/March 2022. So, in January and February of that year there were fewer opportunities for us to mingle and spread the influenza virus. It’s hardly surprising there were few cases then. In fact, the rate of flu in 2023 is actually very similar to pre-COVID years (that is before 2020). As always, the reported cases represent just a fraction of the actual influenza cases. That’s because many people do not seek medical care when infected with influenza or their GP doesn’t always test them for it. <h2>How about an earlier flu season?</h2> Every year, it seems, influenza throws a new curve ball making predictions tricky. Flu rates in the northern hemisphere <a href="https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/early-signs-point-to-this-years-flu-season-being-the-worst-one-in-years/">largely peaked</a> in December 2022, two months earlier than usual. But there has been some late-season influenza B activity in the northern hemisphere this year. This is one type of influenza that causes seasonal flu. So travellers arriving/returning from the northern hemisphere have been bringing influenza to Australia for several months. So we expect more cases of influenza. Australia may even have an autumn surge. This occurred <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj.o2998">last year</a>, where influenza cases rose sharply in May, and peaked by June. That’s two months earlier than the five-year average pre-COVID. Before COVID, influenza cases usually began to rise in April/May. This progressed to a full epidemic from June to August, often extending into September, before waning in October. <h2>So what can we expect in 2023?</h2> The start, length and severity of influenza seasons vary and are often unpredictable. Community immunity will be less than in pre-COVID times. That’s because of fewer influenza infections during COVID restrictions plus <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/influenza-vaccination-coverage-data/national-influenza-vaccination-coverage-all-people">lower influenza vaccine uptake</a> in recent years. So the 2023 flu season may be at least moderately severe. This remains speculation. Flu routinely surprises us. The severity of the coming Australian influenza season will be influenced by the types of influenza that circulate, when the surge starts and when the season peaks. The effectiveness, uptake and timing of vaccinations and the degree of remaining herd immunity will all be important. <h2>Plan to get vaccinated</h2> Only about 40% of those eligible were vaccinated against influenza in 2022, according to the <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-immunisation-register">Australian Immunisation Register</a> database. Rates <a href="https://ncirs.org.au/influenza-vaccination-coverage-data/national-influenza-vaccination-coverage-all-people">were highest</a> in people aged 65 or older. However, as we saw an early influenza season in 2022 (peaking in May/June) this meant many Australians were not vaccinated during the early stages of the epidemic. With this knowledge, it’s important to be vaccinated in April/May before influenza becomes common. Now is a good time to start preparing to get your flu vaccine. Ask your GP or pharmacist when you can book yourself in. Vaccination is our best defence against influenza and is recommended from the age of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/2023-national-immunisation-program-influenza-vaccination-early-advice-for-vaccination-providers">6 months</a>. Younger infants <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/influenza-vaccination-in-pregnancy">receive protection</a> if their mum was vaccinated during pregnancy. The 2023 vaccine has been updated to protect against more recently circulating strains. There are also <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/atagi-advice-on-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2023.pdf">different types</a> of influenza vaccine, some more effective in elderly people, some free under the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-program-schedule?language=en">National Immunisation Program</a>, some not. Other vaccines are available for people with egg allergies and for small children. It’s best to discuss the vaccine options with your GP or pharmacist. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-flu-cases-already-100-times-higher-than-last-year-heres-what-we-really-know-about-the-2023-flu-season-201559" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>

Body

Time to focus: The accidental photographer’s guide to taking great travel shots

Interested in photography? Travelling overseas? Freelance travel writer, photographer and content queen Carolyne Jasinski shares some of the best tips to get great shots wherever you are. What makes the perfect photograph? Is it a complicated combination of aperture settings to determine depth of field or shutter priority to choose between blurred movement or keeping everything in focus? No. It’s much simpler than that. The perfect photo is the one you like best. But there is a knack to getting those pics. I am a travel journalist, so words are my main focus. But most stories need good photos to get published, so I have had to learn how to take photos for publication. I am the accidental photographer. I have taken courses, sat in on workshops and even been on a photography-based expedition to the Arctic. I have travelled with landscape photographers, wildlife snappers, photojournalists who cover war zones, news “togs” and those who shoot food and fashion. Each has taught me something different. So how do we get those great shots? Here are some simple tips to help budding photographers – and you might be surprised at how many of these you are already doing. 1. Don't knock the automatic setting Digital cameras have made life easy. If you’re happy with what your camera produces on automatic, stick to it. That’s what you’ve paid for. But, if you want to learn the “how and why” of photography, play with all those extra dials. Take a course or better still, go on a photography weekend and learn from the professionals. It’s really interesting knowing how to be in control. 2. Horizontal and vertical Take horizontal and vertical shots of the same subject — you’ll be surprised at how different the photos turn out. It’s especially important if you are going to try and sell them to a magazine or online site. More than once I’ve heard designers despair because they have the perfect image to go alongside a story, but it’s oriented the wrong way. Give them both and double your chances of getting published. If you want to make it to the cover of a magazine, take a vertical (portrait) photo. Horizontal (wide) shots are best for inside pages, especially a spread. 3. Rule of thirds Divide your frame into thirds — both horizontally and vertically. Place the focus of your pic on one of those third lines rather than in the middle of your frame. 4. Change your angle... Move A photo that looks ordinary from front-on can be much more interesting from a different angle. The trick is to move. Get in closer — unless it’s a wild animal. If there are big teeth or horns involved, just zoom in with your camera. Try getting down on the ground or taking the shot from a high point 5. People For me, travel is all about people. Photos always look better with people in them as they add perspective and “life”. Take snapshots to help remember the people you meet. But be kind. Lift chins and cover cleavages. Be aware of what shooting from down low does to your friends — no-one will thank you for highlighting their double chin or looking up their nostrils. 6. Zoom in Get up close and personal with your zoom lens. It can be a powerful tool for capturing the nitty gritty. 7. Shapes & patterns Look for interesting shapes. Natural patterns make naturally great shots. 8. Diagonals and leading lines Diagonals create visual flow and add the illusion of movement and dimension to photos. No matter where they start in a frame, they can pull you in and act as a leading line to where you want the focal point to be. Not all leading lines have to be diagonals … a curving river, for example can lead you to a spectacular backdrop. 9. Work with the light The general rule when it comes to working with light is: Don’t shoot into the light. Unless it works. Sunsets are a great example. But when shooting sunsets, always turn around and look at what the light is doing behind you. Sometimes it’s even prettier than what’s in front. Bright sunny days will often give the most ordinary pics. Early morning, shadows and evening light offer the best contrasts. 10. Contrast If you see contrast, capture it — look for light and dark, colour and mono. It might be a bright green shoot coming out of a blackened tree trunk, or a pop of colour in a sea of grey. They always make for interesting shots. 11. Framing Use natural elements to frame your shot. Same goes for man-made structures — they often make perfect boundaries for your pics. Natural props make your job easy. 12. Location markers Signs or souvenirs (with names) can help you remember where you are. Pics of information boards are great memory joggers and the best notes when trying to write your journal or travel story later. 13. Aim for something different Shoot the obvious but aim for more and shoot that, too. 14. Ask permission when shooting people Cultural cringe — if you are in a foreign country, always ask for permission to take a photo. It’s common courtesy. And before including children, always ask their parents and explain what you are doing. If you want to publish those photos, you’ll need written permission. 15. Surprise element Try to capture people (you know) when they are unaware that you are there. Candid shots are often the best. 16. Capture the moment It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. If you see a great photo opportunity, don’t think, “I’ll come back and get that later.” Later might be too late. 17. Reflections Use reflections to reflect on the moment. 18. Mood Let photos reflect how you feel. 19. Aperture and shutter priority It had to get technical somewhere. As you increase the size of your aperture (increasing the hole you shoot through) you let more light into your image sensor. That means you need a shorter shutter speed. If you increase the length of time your shutter is open, you decrease the aperture needed to get a well exposed shot. Aperture and Shutter Priority modes are semi-automatic on most cameras. If you set one, your camera will set the other. Or it will have a dial or meter to show where the perfect setting is. 20. Depth of field Aperture Priority — ‘A’ or ‘AV’ on your camera program dial. When would you use it? To get “depth of field”. If you want a shallow depth of field — an object in front in focus but the background blurred — choose a large aperture (f/1.4) and let the camera choose an appropriate shutter speed. If you want an image with everything in focus, choose a smaller aperture (f/22) and let the camera choose an appropriate shutter speed (generally a longer one). Or you can use Portrait mode on your iPhone. 21. Movement Shutter Priority — ‘TV’ or ‘S’ on your camera dial. When would you use it? To capture movement. If you want to photograph a moving object but want to freeze it so there is no motion blur, choose a fast shutter speed (1/2000) and let the camera decide how much light there is available and set an appropriate aperture. If you want to photograph the object but include some motion blur, choose a slower shutter speed (1/125) and let the camera choose a smaller aperture as a result. The slower the shutter speed, the more need for a tripod. 22. High resolution photos What does high resolution mean? It means a photo with a lot of information — showing a lot of detail. For publication in magazines, you need a photo with at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) that means your photos need to be at least 2MB in size (but the more, the better). All images: Carolyne Jasinski <p style="color: #0e101a; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">

Travel Tips

URGENT RECALL of 44 different cough medicines

Numerous cough medicines containing pholcodine are being stripped from pharmacy shelves after a safety investigation was undertaken by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 55 products are being cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Of the 55 products containing pholcodine that were registered in Australia, 44 products are currently stocked on shelves in pharmacies and are subject to the recall, a spokesperson from the TGA told 7News. The discovery of a new link between pholcodine-containing medicines and an increased risk of anaphylactic reactions to certain medicines used as muscle relaxants during general anaesthesia prompted the action. Pholcodine has been used in a wide range of over-the-counter medicines to treat dry coughs, particularly present in syrups and lozenges. It is also used in combination with other medicines in products that treat the symptoms of cold and flu. “It is difficult to reliably predict who may be at risk of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia and some patients may not know if they have taken pholcodine medicines recently,” TGA Head Adjunct Professor John Skerritt said. “Some patients undergoing emergency surgery may not be in a position to talk to their anaesthetist at all. In addition, while surgical facilities may ask about which prescription medicines a patient is taking, they may not ask about over-the-counter products. “Fortunately, safer alternatives to treat a dry cough are available and consumers should ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice. I urge consumers to check if any of your over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain pholcodine and, if they do, ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest an alternative treatment. “If you will need general anaesthesia and have taken pholcodine in the past 12 months, I advise you to tell your health professional. Health professionals should also check whether patients scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia have used pholcodine in the previous 12 months.” The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had recently recommended the withdrawal of marketing authorisations for these products in Europe, prompting the review in Australia. Supported by a Western Australia study, the European findings showed that pholcodine was a risk factor. The TGA has received 50 reports of Australian cases of suspected pholcodine-related anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blockers, including one fatality earlier this year. Find the full list of recalled products <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/information-about-specific-safety-alerts-and-recalls/about-pholcodine-cough-medicines-cancelled-tga-and-recalled-pharmacies-safety-reasons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image credit: Getty

News

Breathtaking shots from the 2022 Travel Photographer of the Year

The winners of the 2022 Travel Photographer of the Year have been announced, showcasing stunning photography with a focus on conservation and sustainability. The competition, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions, received nearly 20,000 entries from both amateur and professional photographers in 154 different countries. The top prize went to Slovenian photographer Matjaz Krivic who submitted a stunning shot of one of the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos. Najin, the 33-year-old rhino, was pictured with her keeper, Zachary Mutai. The picture was shot in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy and demonstrates the impact of the Cumbre Vieja volcano’s eruption on La Palma’s landscape. As the judges commented, Krivic told their story “beautifully and sensitively. The images are tender and intimate.” “I am honoured to have my work recognised and acknowledged by the judges of the Travel Photographer of the Year competition …” Krivic said of his win. “Travel and photography has been my passion and a big part of my life since I can remember and this award inspires me to continue with my journey.” A 14-year-old Australian, who now lives in Portugal, took home the Young Travel Photographer of the Year award. Kaia Tham’s work is shot solely on an iPhone, and the judges praised this choice by commenting, “seeing the world in a different way and exploring it with a phone rather than a camera has given this young photographer’s portfolio a fresh feel and a different perspective observing the streets of Lisbon.” Two other Australians received acknowledgement for their work, securing themselves special mentions from the judges - Jason Edwards with one, and Scott Portelli with three. 2022’s People’s Choice award went to Romain Miot from France. This award is the only category in which the judges have no say on the winner - the 130 finalists are instead voted on by the general public. Miot’s work features a salt caravan in Mauritania’s Sahara Desert. Of the photograph, Miot said, “when I returned from the trip, I realised that this image of a camel owner ordering the dromedaries looked like a conductor with an orchestra.” The photos from the 2022 awards will be exhibited in May at the Royal Photographic Society as part of World Photography in Focus, ahead of the 21st Travel Photographer of the Year awards for 2023. All image credits: 2022 Travel Photographer of the Year

International Travel

"Her own doing": Lisa Wilkinson slammed for parting shot

Lisa Wilkinson has once again been blasted, but this time it was over her speech she gave while quitting The Project. It was on Sunday night’s show when she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/lisa-wilkinson-leaves-the-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced she was stepping down</a>, after a tough six months. Australian media commentator, Sophie Elsworth has accused Wilkinson of “playing the victim”, claiming that most of the attacks coming from the media were “her own doing”. This includes delaying the trial of Brittany Higgins alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann, due to her problematic Logies acceptance speech. The trial was scheduled for June 27, but in the aftermath of the acceptance speech, the judge had made the decision to delay the high-profile case ruling it would be “unfair” to go on among public commentary surrounding the case. “Lisa Wilkinson, in typical fashion, made it all about her and plays the victim,” Ms Elsworth told Sky News' Chris Kenny on Monday night. “She made headlines back in June for that speech we know she gave at the Logies that was problematic, so that's why she predominantly made a lot of headlines. But she took last night's exit from The Project to slam the media on the way out.” Kenny said Wilkinson's leaving message was "bizarre", and said she appeared to be “blaming other media for her errors”. “She's very good at playing the victim, and she did this very well last night,” Ms Elsworth added. “All her fans say how shocking the media has treated her, but I must say a lot of it has been caused by her own doing.” Wilkinson has been on Aussie screens for over 20 years and even signed a deal with Ten for a huge $1.7 million per year in 2018. However, her appearance on the show has done little to stop rapidly declining ratings. Images: Sky News / The Project

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URGENT RECALL of 44 different cough medicines

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Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

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Information

Keep up to date

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There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know?

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Rob Dale "destroyed" after police shot dead pet dog

I think I have the flu. Should I ask my GP for antivirals?

Taking an antidepressant? Mixing it with other medicines – including some cold and flu treatments – can be dangerous

Sonia Kruger’s cheeky shot during Logies victory speech

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URGENT RECALL of 44 different cough medicines

Breathtaking shots from the 2022 Travel Photographer of the Year

"Her own doing": Lisa Wilkinson slammed for parting shot

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