Who Should Get It: Universal vaccination is recommended, but it is especially critical for vulnerable groups, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with underlying chronic health conditions.
Children's Dosing: Children under 9 years old who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart.
Timing: The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection. It is ideally administered before the peak of the flu season to allow the body to build immunity.
Side Effects: Common side effects include mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as minor body aches or low-grade fever. It is important to know that you cannot get the flu from an inactivated flu sho
A lack of iodine in the diet can affect us at any stage of our lives, as it is vital for normal growth and development.
A good intake of iodine is particularly important during pregnancy as a lack of iodine may result in brain damage and an increased potential for still birth and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Once born, if the diet remains low in iodine then babies and children may develop goitre, which is a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, as the body attempts to lessen the effects of the lack of iodine in the diet.
Adults at any stage of their life may also develop goitre, which may result in tiredness, inability to function normally, and impaired brain activity.
Natural sources of iodine are commonly found in eggs and fish, particularly shellfish, and also found in seaweed and other foods sourced from the sea.
Recent surveys have demonstrated that once again our iodine level is not at the ideal level. As a consequence of this it is now recommended that all women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy address this by taking an iodine supplement and continuing this supplementation whilst breastfeeding to ensure that their baby receives an adequate level during this period of growth and development.
For all other people, it is important to ensure that their diet contains iodine, and the availability and affordability of sushi is helpful. Iodised salt should be used in moderation, as the preferred salt for table and cooking use. This is available as rock salt as well as fine salt. Although moderate salt intake is good dietary advice, a small amount of iodised salt seasoning your food may be helpful. As with all foods, too much of anything doesn’t necessarily mean better health, so avoid use of supplements containing large amounts of salt or iodine.
See your community pharmacist for advice about your diet, and the need for supplementation, particularly if you believe the diet of you or your family may be deficient in this vital element. Your pharmacist will be able to determine if your diet is adequate in iodine, what supplements are safe and appropriate for you to use, or if you need referral to a doctor or dietician.
Our vision at Star Pharmacy is to offer “Better Health Solutions” with our advanced technology, extensive health services, experienced pharmacists, naturopath and trained staff we will assist you with all your primary health care needs.
