Frequently Asked Questions
After the Wellness Here For Life telehealth booking platform closes, you may choose how you wish to access ongoing care. You can book with your usual GP, another telehealth provider, or, if you choose, through Medmate’s booking portal. Medmate is optional and you are not required to use Medmate.
No. Your care will not be automatically transferred to Medmate. You may choose whether to book through Medmate or seek care from another healthcare provider.
If you already have an appointment booked through Wellness Here For Life, that appointment will proceed as scheduled unless we contact you directly.
Your existing health records and personal information will continue to be managed securely and in accordance with applicable privacy, health records and medical record retention requirements. Your records will not be transferred to another provider without an appropriate legal basis, such as your consent or as otherwise permitted or required by law.
Where clinically appropriate, you should ensure you have arrangements in place for any ongoing care, repeat prescriptions, referrals, test results or follow-up needs. If your matter is urgent or you need immediate medical attention, please contact emergency services or seek urgent care.
You can contact Medmate Customer Service directly by visiting medmate.com.au and submitting your enquiry through the Contact Us tab.
Medmate offers comprehensive telehealth services, connecting you with experienced Australian doctors through a secure and private platform. With Medmate, you can quickly book appointments and receive immediate care all from the comfort of your home. For further information, please visit Medmate’s website: https://medmate.com.au/
Influenza (or ‘the flu’) is caused by three types of influenza virus – A, B and C that infect the respiratory system. Influenza is contagious and is spread by coughing, sneezing and direct contact with an infected person or by touching a contaminated surface. You may be infectious for approximately a day before symptoms appear.
Symptoms of flu include: fever, muscle aches, headache, lethargy, dry cough, sore throat, and a runny nose. The fever and body aches may last for 3-5 days, whilst the cough and lethargy may last for two or more weeks.
Influenza can cause serious complications that may require hospitalisation or may even be fatal.
Influenza (or ‘the flu’) is a respiratory illness that occurs following an infection with influenza viruses. Sometimes the term ‘the flu’ is used incorrectly to describe the common cold or other respiratory viruses. This is because their symptoms can be similar to those caused by influenza. There are many different viruses and some bacteria that can cause these symptoms.
The influenza vaccine will only protect you from the influenza virus. Usually, influenza is more severe and lasts longer than a cold or other viral respiratory illness.
Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza can reduce your chances of catching the virus and can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
The seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended every year for most people aged six months or older.
Persons with known egg and chicken allergies are unfortunately not able to participate in this service, but are encouraged to seek advice from their healthcare practitioner. Persons who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction to antibiotics neomycin, gentamicin, polymixin or thiomersal are also not eligible to participate in this service.
The best time to be vaccinated against influenza is in autumn, before the flu season starts. The vaccination can take up to two weeks to develop protection and provides immunity against influenza for around three to four months depending on the individual’s immune system.
It is recommended that you receive the influenza vaccination every year as the different strains of virus can change from year to year. This ensures you are protected against the most recent virus strains.
Like any medication, some people may experience an unexpected reaction to the influenza vaccine. Common side effects following vaccination for influenza may include:
- pain, redness and swelling or a lump at the injection site
- low grade temperature
- headache or muscle aches
- drowsiness or tiredness
- generally feeling unwell.
Most side effects are minor and last only a short time. Generally, mild reactions begin within six to 12 hours.
As with any medication, very rarely will you have a severe allergic reaction, which will usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. Because of this, it is important for you to wait for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination before leaving.
Your immuniser will advise you of the potential side effects of having the flu vaccine and what you should do if you have a reaction.
The formulation of influenza vaccines for use in Australia is determined each year by the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) based on information and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The details of which strains of influenza antibodies are contained in this year’s vaccine can be found at www.influenzaspecialistgroup.org.au.
The vaccine administered will be an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) according to the age of the patient.
The vaccination service is relatively quick, taking less than 5 minutes which allows for the nurse to confirm consent has been provided, that the person being vaccinated is well and has no contraindications to vaccination, and to administer the vaccine.
Following the vaccination, the person vaccinated is required to remain in the observation area for a further 15 minutes.
All our clinics are run through pharmacies located across Australia. Check in with your local pharmacy to see if they have an in-person clinic scheduled and if not point them our way!
Sedatives (like Diazepam, Alprazolam, Temazepam)
Strong pain medications (like Morphine, Oxycodone, Tramadol)
ADHD medications (like Methylphenidate, Dexamphetamine)
Other controlled substances