Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 1. 2020 | Page 29

To get better, you must take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist, stay in bed, drink lots of fluids and rest to give your body time to fight the infection. When to see a doctor You should contact your doctor if you have a high fever that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, or that lasts longer than two days. You should also visit your doctor if you don't seem to be getting better, have a chesty cough, feel a sharp pain when coughing or have difficulty breathing. Left untreated, the flu may lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia. Speak to your doctor or your attending health care professional to confirm if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine shot. Prevention is better than cure: Don't wait till it's too late, head straight to your doctor, your network pharmacy or clinic near you for your flu vaccine. Who should get the flu vaccine? Everybody should protect themselves against the flu. Those who fall into one of these high-risk groups should definitely be vaccinated: • • • • • • People over 65 years old People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, HIV and respiratory diseases People with suppressed immune systems Health workers Women who are pregnant or in the post-partum stage Infants and young children (particularly <2 years of age) Page 28