4th May – Labour Day in Queensland
Labour Day is a celebration for the hard work of people in Queensland and honouring those in the past for their efforts to promote fair working arrangements. Whilst we celebrate the hard work done by all we should also make sure we take care of our health and ensure we take steps to ensure our ongoing good health.
Sometimes things can happen that we were not expecting, and therefore we need to either take precautions or seek care to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
One way we can protect our health is to be vaccinated against infections that we may encounter including:
• Hepatitis A – especially if we are travelling to countries where there is an increased risk of infection.
• Hepatitis B – can be prevented with vaccination. Many people in Australia, particularly those born overseas or living with a person living with hepatitis B can get vaccinated under the National Immunisation Program at no cost for the vaccine if they have a Medicare Card and have not been vaccinated or can show immunity against the hepatitis B virus. If you do not know if you have immunity or have not been checked for hepatitis B infection, ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check. Ask your doctor about hepatitis B or see our resource at www.eccq.com.au/hepatitis-resources
• Hepatitis C – whilst there is no vaccination available, there is a readily available cure – talk to your doctor or other health practitioner.
Screening and testing for the above conditions can be undertaken by your local doctor.
Many conditions including those discussed here do not have obvious signs or symptoms. Living with hepatitis B or C will not generally affect your ability to continue your usual work – but if you develop complications such as liver fibrosis/cirrhosis or liver cancer these may affect your ability to work or threating your life.
By all people taking time to check their health and to protect themselves from these conditions we can reduce the chance of passing them onto others; complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer associated with these infections; generally, improve our health and potentially that of our loved ones; and reduce any interruptions to your work life.
Taking a moment to check your health will help ensure you can keep working.
For more information, please visit our webpage at www.eccq.com.au/bbv
Or contact our friendly Love Health Program team:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3844 9166
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing [email protected].
