Rod Lynch urges Geelong community to get flu jab

A Torquay grandfather is urging others to get their flu jab after he wound up in hospital due to “excruciating” pain.

Torquay man Rod Lynch recently was hospitalised with the flu. He is pictured with Buddy. Picture: Mark Wilson

A Torquay grandfather has urged the community to get their flu jab after his own “horrendous” experience.

Rod Lynch had not yet received his annual flu vaccination when he was struck down with the viral infection last month.

He initially started to feel “a bit yucky” but the 72-year-old was soon in “excruciating” pain.

“I thought to myself, ‘is this it?’,” he said.

Within a few days of becoming unwell he saw a GP who advised him to go to hospital.

Mr Lynch travelled to Epworth Geelong in an ambulance, where he was diagnosed with influenza.

He rested and was given medication, and after three nights was able to go home.

But Mr Lynch, who has asthma, still felt achy and down for another two weeks.

“I’m still a little bit wheezy,” he said.

His wife also caught the flu and was “pretty crook”.

Mr Lynch said the “horrendous” illness was unlike anything he had experienced.

He urged people to get their flu jab.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that,” he said.

According to the federal health department, annual influenza vaccination should occur anytime from April to be protected for peak flu season, which is generally June to September.

Greater Geelong has recorded 132 influenza cases so far this year, compared to just seven and four in the corresponding periods in 2022 and 2021 respectively, state health department data showed.

Community members are being urged to book in their flu jab as vaccination ramps up after Easter.

Barwon Health public health physician Dr Akhtar Hussain said recently there had been more flu cases compared to the same time last year, noting the incidence of flu last year was less than average.

“Flu vaccinations can be administered at the same time as Covid-19 booster vaccination,” he said.

“We urge anyone in the community to receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible, especially the elderly and people with chronic illnesses and those who are immunocompromised.”

Originally published as Rod Lynch urges Geelong community to get flu jab