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

Rod Lynch has urged the community to get their flu jab after his own “horrendous” experience.

Mr 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.

Community members are being urged to book in their flu jab as soon as possible in the lead up to wnter.

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.”

Community flu vaccinations are available from GPs, Pharmacies and Barwon Health’s Immunisation Service.

Flu vaccine bookings will be available for all eligible groups (including children aged six months to five years, people aged 65 years and older and those with certain medical conditions) through Barwon Health’s Immunisation Service in Corio, Belmont and Ocean Grove.

For more information on eligibility click here.

Photo and story courtesy of Geelong Advertiser.