http://drquintenwillemse.com.au/

Dr Quinten Willemse, 2/7 Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi (2026)

18/06/2026

Q Guide to Osteoporosis

The Silent Disease That Often Isn’t Found Until a Bone Breaks

Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis.

There is usually no pain.

No warning sign.

No symptom that tells you your bones are becoming weaker.

That’s why osteoporosis is often called a silent disease.

For many people, the first sign is a fracture after a relatively minor fall.

⸻

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose density and strength.

Healthy bone has a dense internal structure that helps it withstand everyday stresses.

With osteoporosis, the bone becomes more fragile and more likely to break.

This can occur gradually over many years without a person realising it.

⸻

Why does it matter?

A broken bone is never convenient.

But some fractures can be life-changing.

Osteoporosis commonly affects:

🦴 Hip

🦴 Spine

🦴 Wrist

🦴 Upper arm

These are known as fragility fractures because they occur from relatively minor trauma.

For example:

* Tripping on a footpath
* Falling from standing height
* Lifting something awkwardly
* A simple slip at home

Healthy bone should usually tolerate these events.

⸻

The fracture that changes everything

Many people recover well from fractures.

However, hip fractures deserve special attention.

After a hip fracture:

* Many people lose independence
* Some require residential care
* Mobility may never fully recover
* Risk of future fractures increases significantly

Preventing the first fracture is far easier than dealing with the consequences afterwards.

⸻

Who is at risk?

Risk factors include:

👵 Increasing age

👩 Menopause

👨 Being over 70

👨‍👩‍👧 Family history of osteoporosis

🚬 Smoking

🍷 Excess alcohol

⚖️ Low body weight

💊 Long-term steroid use

🦴 Previous fragility fracture

Certain medical conditions can also increase risk.

⸻

Osteoporosis in women

Women are particularly vulnerable after menopause.

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density.

As oestrogen levels decline, bone loss accelerates.

The years after menopause represent a critical period for bone health.

⸻

Osteoporosis in men

Many people assume osteoporosis is a women’s disease.

It isn’t.

Men account for a significant proportion of osteoporotic fractures.

Unfortunately, osteoporosis in men is often diagnosed later because awareness is lower.

Any man over 70 should be thinking about bone health.

⸻

The signs you might miss

Osteoporosis itself usually causes no symptoms.

However, clues may include:

* Loss of height
* Stooped posture
* Back pain from spinal fractures
* Previous low-trauma fractures

Many people are surprised to learn they have osteoporosis after a routine scan.

⸻

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan is a specialised X-ray that measures bone density.

The test is:

✅ Quick

✅ Painless

✅ Low radiation

✅ Widely available

It helps estimate fracture risk and determine whether treatment is required.

⸻

Who should consider a bone density scan?

You should discuss bone density testing with your GP if you:

* Are over 70
* Are a woman over 50 with risk factors
* Have experienced a fragility fracture
* Use long-term steroid medication
* Have significant osteoporosis risk factors

Many Australians qualify for Medicare-funded assessment.

⸻

Can osteoporosis be prevented?

Often, yes.

The foundations of healthy bones include:

🏋️ Strength training

Bones respond to load.

Resistance exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain bone strength.

🚶 Weight-bearing exercise

Walking, stair climbing and similar activities help stimulate bone maintenance.

🥛 Adequate calcium

Calcium remains an important building block for bone.

☀️ Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium effectively.

🥩 Adequate protein

Strong muscles help support strong bones.

🚭 Avoid smoking

Smoking accelerates bone loss.

🍷 Moderate alcohol intake

Excess alcohol increases fracture risk.

⸻

What if osteoporosis is diagnosed?

The good news is that effective treatments are available.

Depending on your individual circumstances, options may include:

💊 Oral medications

💉 Injectable treatments

🦴 Bone-building therapies

The goal is simple:

Reduce the risk of future fractures.

For many people, treatment substantially lowers fracture risk.

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The Bottom Line

Osteoporosis is common.

It is often silent.

And it is frequently discovered only after a fracture has already occurred.

The best strategy is to identify risk early, maintain bone strength and intervene before the first break.

Strong bones help preserve mobility, independence and quality of life.

And that’s what healthy ageing is really about.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“A fracture shouldn’t be the first sign that your bones need attention.”

18/06/2026

Q Guide to Strong Bones for Life

The Bone Health Guide Every Australian Over 50 Should Read

Most people think about their heart.

Many think about cholesterol.

Some think about cancer screening.

Very few think about their bones.

Until something breaks.

The problem is that bone loss occurs silently.

There is no pain.

No warning sign.

No way to feel your bones becoming weaker.

For many people, the first sign of poor bone health is a fracture.

⸻

Your bones are living tissue

Bone is not a static structure.

Throughout life, your body is constantly breaking down old bone and building new bone.

When we’re younger, bone formation exceeds bone loss.

As we age, the balance gradually shifts.

Bone loss begins to outpace bone formation.

This is a normal part of ageing.

However, for some people the process accelerates and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

⸻

Why bone health matters

Strong bones help maintain:

✅ Independence

✅ Mobility

✅ Balance

✅ Physical activity

✅ Quality of life

A broken wrist can be inconvenient.

A broken hip can be life-changing.

Many older Australians never fully regain their previous level of independence after a major fracture.

⸻

Who is at risk?

Risk increases with:

👵 Increasing age

👩 Menopause

🚬 Smoking

🍷 Excess alcohol

🏃 Physical inactivity

⚖️ Low body weight

💊 Long-term steroid use

👨‍👩‍👧 Family history of osteoporosis

Certain medical conditions can also increase risk.

⸻

The menopause connection

Women can lose significant bone density during and after menopause.

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone strength.

As oestrogen levels fall, bone loss accelerates.

This is one reason why bone health should become part of every woman’s health discussion in midlife.

⸻

The nutrients your bones need

Calcium

Calcium is a major building block of bone.

Good sources include:

🥛 Dairy products

🥬 Leafy green vegetables

🐟 Some fish

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

Many Australians, particularly older adults, have lower levels than expected.

Protein

Protein is often overlooked.

Healthy bones need healthy muscles.

Adequate protein supports both.

⸻

The best exercise for your bones

Walking is good.

But bones respond best to load.

The most effective activities include:

🏋️ Strength training

🚶 Weight-bearing exercise

🧘 Balance training

Regular resistance exercise helps both bone density and fall prevention.

⸻

Falls matter as much as bones

A fracture usually requires two things:

1. Weaker bone
2. A fall

That’s why balance, strength and mobility are just as important as bone density itself.

⸻

Should I have a bone density scan?

A DEXA scan may be appropriate if you:

* Are over 70
* Are a woman over 50 with risk factors
* Have had a low-trauma fracture
* Use long-term steroids
* Have significant osteoporosis risk factors

Discuss your individual situation with your GP.

⸻

The Bottom Line

Bone health is something you build over decades.

You cannot see it.

You cannot feel it.

But the decisions you make today influence how strong and independent you remain in the years ahead.

Strong bones support healthy ageing.

And healthy ageing is about much more than simply living longer.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“The best time to invest in your bones is before you need them.”

18/06/2026

Q Guide to Perimenopause

The Hormonal Transition Most Women Aren’t Prepared For

Many women expect menopause to start when their periods stop.

In reality, the hormonal changes often begin years earlier.

This stage is called perimenopause.

It’s common.

It’s normal.

And yet many women spend years wondering why they suddenly don’t feel like themselves.

⸻

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause.

It usually begins during a woman’s 40s, although some women experience symptoms earlier.

During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone.

Hormone levels don’t simply decline.

They fluctuate.

Sometimes dramatically.

This hormonal rollercoaster is responsible for many of the symptoms women experience.

⸻

How long does it last?

Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few years to more than a decade.

The average duration is around 4–8 years.

Menopause itself is defined as:

12 months without a menstrual period.

Everything before that is perimenopause.

Everything after that is post-menopause.

⸻

The symptoms nobody warns you about

Most women know about hot flushes.

Many don’t realise how many other symptoms can occur.

Common symptoms include:

🔥 Hot flushes

🌙 Night sweats

😴 Poor sleep

😩 Fatigue

🧠 Brain fog

😠 Irritability

😟 Anxiety

😢 Low mood

❤️ Palpitations

⚖️ Weight gain

🩸 Irregular periods

💔 Reduced libido

🦴 Joint aches

🧻 Vaginal dryness

Some women experience only mild symptoms.

Others find them significantly disruptive.

⸻

“I thought it was stress”

One of the challenges of perimenopause is that symptoms often develop gradually.

Women frequently tell me:

“I thought I was just stressed.”

“I thought it was work.”

“I thought I was getting old.”

The reality is that hormonal fluctuations can affect sleep, mood, energy, concentration and physical wellbeing.

Understanding what’s happening is often the first step.

⸻

Why weight gain becomes easier

Many women notice that the strategies that worked in their 30s suddenly stop working.

This is not a lack of willpower.

Hormonal changes can contribute to:

* Increased abdominal fat
* Reduced muscle mass
* Changes in appetite
* Reduced energy expenditure
* Poorer sleep

The result is often gradual weight gain around the waist.

⸻

What about brain fog?

This is one of the most common concerns I hear.

Women describe:

* Forgetting words
* Losing their train of thought
* Difficulty concentrating
* Reduced mental sharpness

While concerning, these symptoms are often part of the hormonal transition and frequently improve with appropriate management.

⸻

Do I need blood tests?

In many women aged 45 and over with typical symptoms, perimenopause is primarily a clinical diagnosis.

Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during this stage.

A single blood test may be misleading.

However, your GP may recommend testing to exclude other conditions such as:

* Thyroid disease
* Iron deficiency
* Vitamin deficiencies
* Other medical causes of fatigue or mood symptoms

⸻

What treatments are available?

Treatment depends on symptoms, medical history and individual preferences.

Options may include:

Lifestyle measures

✅ Regular exercise

✅ Strength training

✅ Good sleep habits

✅ Limiting alcohol

✅ Stress management

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

For many women, MHT can significantly improve symptoms such as:

* Hot flushes
* Night sweats
* Sleep disturbance
* Mood changes
* Quality of life

MHT is not suitable for everyone and should be discussed with your GP.

Non-hormonal options

Some women prefer or require non-hormonal treatments.

Several evidence-based alternatives are available.

⸻

The bigger picture

Perimenopause isn’t simply about hot flushes.

It’s also an opportunity to review long-term health.

This may include:

❤️ Cardiovascular risk

🦴 Bone health

⚖️ Weight management

😴 Sleep

🧠 Mental wellbeing

Preventive health becomes increasingly important during this stage of life.

⸻

My challenge to women in their 40s and 50s

If you’ve found yourself saying:

“I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

Don’t assume you simply have to put up with it.

Many symptoms can be improved.

Many women are surprised by how much better they feel once they understand what’s happening and receive appropriate support.

⸻

The Bottom Line

Perimenopause is a normal life stage, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through it.

If you’re experiencing changes in your periods, sleep, mood, energy or overall wellbeing, it may be worth discussing with your GP.

You are not imagining it.

You are not “just getting older.”

And you certainly don’t need to navigate it alone.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“Understanding the transition is often the first step towards feeling better.”

18/06/2026

Q Guide: Skin Checks

Why Waiting for Symptoms Can Be a Dangerous Strategy

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Most of us have spent years enjoying beaches, sport, boating, gardening and outdoor living.

Unfortunately, our skin remembers every hour of sun exposure.

The result?

Skin cancer is incredibly common.

The good news is that most skin cancers can be treated very effectively when detected early.

That’s why skin checks matter.

⸻

The biggest myth about skin cancer

Many people believe they will notice skin cancer themselves.

Sometimes that’s true.

Often it isn’t.

Some of the most dangerous skin cancers cause:

❌ No pain

❌ No itching

❌ No bleeding

❌ No symptoms whatsoever

Many patients are surprised when a suspicious lesion is identified during a routine skin examination.

“I hadn’t even noticed that one.”

I hear that almost every week.

⸻

The three main skin cancers

Black skin cancer (Melanoma)

Melanoma is the skin cancer most people fear.

For good reason.

Although less common than other skin cancers, melanoma has the greatest potential to spread to other parts of the body.

When detected early, treatment is often straightforward.

When detected late, outcomes can be very different.

⸻

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common skin cancer.

It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere.

However, it can continue growing locally and cause significant tissue damage if ignored.

Common clues include:

* A pearly bump
* A sore that won’t heal
* Recurrent bleeding
* A persistent pink patch

⸻

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is also very common in Australia.

Unlike BCC, some SCCs have the potential to spread if left untreated.

They often appear as:

* Scaly patches
* Thickened lesions
* Crusted areas
* Tender lumps
* Non-healing sores

⸻

The problem with “watching it”

Many people tell me:

“I’ll keep an eye on it.”

The problem is that skin cancers don’t always announce themselves.

They simply grow.

Sometimes slowly.

Sometimes surprisingly quickly.

A lesion that is easy to remove today may become a much larger procedure six or twelve months later.

⸻

Who should have skin checks?

You should consider regular skin checks if you have:

☀️ Fair skin

☀️ A history of significant sun exposure

☀️ Previous skin cancers

☀️ A family history of melanoma

☀️ Numerous moles

☀️ Outdoor work or hobbies

☀️ Previous sunburns

In Australia, that includes a large proportion of adults.

⸻

What happens during a skin check?

A skin check is usually straightforward.

Your doctor will:

🔍 Examine your skin from head to toe

🔍 Assess moles and pigmented lesions

🔍 Examine areas you may not see yourself

🔍 Use dermoscopy where appropriate

Dermoscopy allows us to see structures beneath the surface of the skin that are invisible to the naked eye.

Many skin cancers are identified this way long before they become obvious.

⸻

What should I look for?

The ABCDE rule can be helpful:

A – Asymmetry

One half doesn’t match the other.

B – Border

Irregular or poorly defined edges.

C – Colour

Multiple colours or uneven pigmentation.

D – Diameter

Generally larger than 6 mm, although smaller melanomas occur.

E – Evolving

Any mole or spot that is changing.

The “ugly duckling” sign is also important.

If one lesion looks different from all the others, it deserves attention.

⸻

Prevention still matters

The best skin cancer treatment is prevention.

That means:

👒 Wear a hat

🕶️ Use sunglasses

👕 Cover up

🧴 Apply sunscreen

🌳 Seek shade

☀️ Avoid unnecessary sun exposure during peak UV periods

Even if you’ve had significant sun exposure in the past, reducing future exposure still helps.

⸻

My challenge to you

Think about your car for a moment.

Most people service it every year.

Many do it every six months.

Yet some people go years without having their skin examined.

Your skin is exposed to the Australian sun every day.

It deserves at least as much attention.

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The Bottom Line

Most skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early.

Many produce no symptoms.

Many are first identified during routine skin checks.

If you’re Australian, over 40, fair-skinned, have a history of sun exposure, or simply haven’t had a skin check in years, it may be time to book one.

The lesion that worries you is not always the one that concerns your doctor most.

Sometimes the most important skin cancer is the one you never noticed.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“Early detection often means smaller surgery, simpler treatment and better outcomes.”

18/06/2026

Q Guide to Vaccines Over 60

The Vaccines Every Older Australian Should Know About

Most people think vaccines are something we worry about in childhood.

The reality is that some of the most important vaccines are given later in life.

As we age, our immune system naturally becomes less effective. This means infections that might be a nuisance for a younger person can become serious — and sometimes life-threatening — in older adults.

The good news?

Many of these illnesses are preventable.

⸻

Why vaccines matter more as we age

After the age of 60, the risk of severe illness from common infections increases significantly.

These infections can lead to:

* Hospitalisation
* Loss of independence
* Long recovery periods
* Worsening of existing medical conditions
* Increased risk of death

Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce these risks.

⸻

1. Shingles Vaccine

The one most people regret not having

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system for life.

Years later it can reactivate as shingles.

Symptoms may include:

⚡ Severe nerve pain

⚡ Burning or tingling

⚡ Blistering rash

⚡ Long-term nerve pain lasting months or years

Many patients describe shingles as one of the most painful conditions they’ve ever experienced.

Current Australian recommendation

The recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for older Australians and provides excellent protection against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.

If you’re eligible under the National Immunisation Program, speak with your GP about receiving it.

⸻

2. Pneumococcal Vaccine

Protection against serious pneumonia

Pneumococcal disease can cause:

🫁 Pneumonia

🧠 Meningitis

🩸 Bloodstream infections

Older adults are at increased risk of severe disease and complications.

What’s changed?

Australia has recently introduced newer pneumococcal vaccines that provide broader protection against more strains of pneumococcal bacteria.

Recommendations vary according to age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, and medical conditions.

Your GP can advise which vaccine is most appropriate.

⸻

3. RSV Vaccine

The newest vaccine many people haven’t heard about

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is often thought of as a childhood infection.

However, in older adults it can cause:

🫁 Severe chest infections

🫁 Pneumonia

🏥 Hospitalisation

RSV causes thousands of hospital admissions in older Australians every year.

Who should consider it?

RSV vaccination is increasingly recommended for older adults, particularly those over 60 and those with chronic medical conditions.

This is one of the newest additions to the adult vaccination schedule.

⸻

4. Influenza Vaccine

Every year means every year

Influenza is not simply a bad cold.

In older Australians it can cause:

* Pneumonia
* Heart attacks
* Strokes
* Hospital admission

The flu virus changes each year.

That’s why annual vaccination remains important.

The best vaccine for this year is the one available this year.

⸻

5. COVID-19 Boosters

Still important for high-risk groups

While COVID is less disruptive than during the pandemic, it remains a significant cause of hospitalisation in older adults.

Current recommendations vary depending on:

* Age
* Medical conditions
* Previous vaccination history
* Recent infection

Your GP can advise whether a booster is recommended for you.

⸻

Common questions I hear

“I’m healthy. Do I really need them?”

Being healthy is exactly why prevention works.

Vaccines are most effective before you become ill.

“I never get sick.”

Many of the patients admitted to hospital with pneumonia previously considered themselves healthy.

“Can I have more than one vaccine at the same visit?”

In many cases, yes.

Your GP can advise on the most appropriate schedule.

⸻

The Bottom Line

If you’re over 60, there are now several vaccines that can significantly reduce your risk of serious illness.

The key vaccines to discuss with your GP are:

✅ Shingles

✅ Pneumococcal disease

✅ RSV

✅ Influenza

✅ COVID-19 boosters

Most people spend more time servicing their car than reviewing their vaccination status.

A five-minute conversation with your GP could help prevent weeks in hospital.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“Growing older is inevitable. Preventable infections don’t have to be.”

18/06/2026

Q Guide: The Silent Diseases That Age You Early

Heart disease, diabetes and dementia don’t start at 70. They often start decades earlier.

Most people think ageing happens suddenly.

One day you’re healthy.

The next, you’re taking medications, seeing specialists and wondering where your energy went.

But that’s not how it works.

Most of the diseases we associate with ageing begin silently years — often decades — before symptoms appear.

As a GP, I rarely see someone develop heart disease, diabetes or dementia overnight.

Instead, I see warning signs that have been quietly building for years.

The good news?

Many of them can be identified early.

And many can be improved.

⸻

The biggest misconception about ageing

Most people believe getting older automatically means becoming slower, heavier and less healthy.

Age certainly changes our bodies.

But much of what we attribute to “getting old” is actually the cumulative effect of chronic disease.

The goal isn’t simply to live longer.

The goal is to delay or prevent the diseases that steal energy, independence and quality of life.

⸻

1. Insulin Resistance

The metabolic problem most people don’t know they have

Insulin resistance often develops long before type 2 diabetes.

Your body produces insulin normally, but your cells become less responsive to it.

To compensate, the body produces more and more insulin.

For years, blood sugar levels may remain normal.

Meanwhile, metabolic damage continues quietly in the background.

Insulin resistance is associated with:

✅ Weight gain

✅ Fatty liver

✅ High blood pressure

✅ Abnormal cholesterol

✅ Increased cardiovascular risk

Many people feel completely well until routine blood tests reveal a problem.

⸻

2. High Blood Pressure

The original silent killer

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.

No headaches.

No dizziness.

No warning signs.

Yet over time it damages:

❤️ The heart

🧠 The brain

👁️ The eyes

🩺 The kidneys

Many Australians discover they have high blood pressure only after a routine health check.

Or worse, after a heart attack or stroke.

⸻

3. Cholesterol Problems

Damage can begin decades before symptoms

Cholesterol itself causes no symptoms.

But elevated cholesterol contributes to the gradual build-up of plaque inside arteries.

This process can begin in early adulthood.

Years later it may present as:

* Heart attack
* Stroke
* Peripheral vascular disease

The first symptom is sometimes the event itself.

That’s why prevention matters.

⸻

4. Sleep Apnoea

One of the most underdiagnosed conditions in Australia

Many people think snoring is harmless.

Sometimes it is.

Sometimes it isn’t.

Sleep apnoea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Common clues include:

😴 Loud snoring

😴 Daytime fatigue

😴 Morning headaches

😴 Poor concentration

😴 High blood pressure

Untreated sleep apnoea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and motor vehicle accidents.

⸻

5. Weight Gain Around the Middle

More important than the number on the scales

As we age, many people notice gradual weight gain.

Particularly around the waist.

This isn’t simply a cosmetic issue.

Excess abdominal fat is strongly associated with:

* Insulin resistance
* Fatty liver disease
* Sleep apnoea
* High blood pressure
* Cardiovascular disease

Waist circumference is often a more useful health marker than body weight alone.

⸻

6. Fatty Liver Disease

The silent epidemic

Fatty liver disease is now one of the most common chronic diseases seen in general practice.

Many people have no symptoms whatsoever.

Others experience only vague fatigue.

Left unchecked, fatty liver can progress to:

* Liver inflammation
* Liver scarring
* Cirrhosis

The same lifestyle factors that improve heart health often improve liver health too.

⸻

7. Prediabetes

Diabetes doesn’t happen overnight

Prediabetes is exactly what it sounds like.

Blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet in the diabetic range.

It is one of the clearest warning signs we can detect.

At this stage, many people can still reverse the process through lifestyle changes and weight reduction.

The earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to address.

⸻

What do all these conditions have in common?

They are usually:

✅ Common

✅ Detectable

✅ Treatable

✅ Preventable

And most cause little or no symptoms in their early stages.

That’s why regular health checks matter.

Not because you’re sick.

But because you want to stay well.

⸻

My challenge to you

Imagine yourself 10 years from now.

Would your future self thank you for the decisions you’re making today?

Or wish you’d acted sooner?

Most chronic disease develops slowly.

So does good health.

The small choices you make now are often the ones that determine how you feel years from today.

⸻

The Bottom Line

Heart disease.

Diabetes.

Stroke.

Dementia.

These conditions don’t suddenly appear in retirement.

They often begin quietly in our 30s, 40s and 50s.

The earlier we identify risk factors, the more opportunity we have to change the outcome.

Don’t wait for symptoms.

That’s often the stage where prevention has already missed its opportunity.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

“The best health check is the one you have before you think you need it.”

18/06/2026

The Q Guide: The Difference Between Living Long and Living Well

Most people don’t die of old age.

They die from diseases that began silently years — often decades — before symptoms appeared.

❤️ Heart disease

🎗️ Cancer

🍩 Type 2 diabetes

🧠 Dementia

As a GP, I regularly meet people who are shocked by a diagnosis that was quietly developing long before they felt unwell.

The question isn’t:

“How long will I live?”

The better question is:

“How many of those years will I spend healthy, active and independent?”

That’s the difference between lifespan and healthspan.

⸻

The uncomfortable truth

The biggest threats to our health often cause no symptoms early on.

High blood pressure.

High cholesterol.

Insulin resistance.

Sleep apnoea.

Early bowel cancer.

Many people feel perfectly well — until they don’t.

⸻

What actually makes a difference?

Forget miracle supplements and expensive biohacking.

The evidence still points to the basics:

✅ Exercise regularly

✅ Maintain a healthy weight

✅ Prioritise sleep

✅ Don’t smoke

✅ Drink less alcohol

✅ Manage blood pressure and cholesterol

✅ Participate in recommended screening

✅ See your GP before symptoms appear

⸻

My challenge to you

Imagine yourself 10 years from now.

If nothing changed in your current lifestyle, where would your health be?

If the answer makes you uncomfortable, now is the time to act.

The goal isn’t simply to live longer.

It’s to live better for longer.

—

Dr Quinten Willemse
General Practitioner

Prevention is often more powerful than treatment.

Share this with someone who thinks they’re “too busy” to look after their health.

11/06/2026

The Q Guide to Influenza (Flu) Vaccination in 2026

Who Should Get Vaccinated This Winter?

By Dr Quinten Willemse

Every winter, influenza causes thousands of Australians to become seriously unwell.

Many people think of the flu as simply a bad cold.

In reality, influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and even death, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions.

The good news is that annual vaccination remains the best way to reduce your risk.

Why Do I Need a Flu Vaccine Every Year?

Unlike many other viruses, influenza changes constantly.

This means the flu vaccine is updated each year to target the strains expected to circulate during the upcoming winter season.

Even if you had a flu vaccine last year, you still need a new one this year.

Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?

The short answer is simple:

Everyone aged 6 months and over should consider annual influenza vaccination.

However, it is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe illness.

Who Is Eligible for a Free Flu Vaccine?

Under the National Immunisation Program, free influenza vaccination is available for:

* Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
* Adults aged 65 years and over
* Pregnant women
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
* People with certain chronic medical conditions

These groups are at greater risk of complications from influenza and should prioritise vaccination each year. (Melbourne Vaccine Centre)

What About Healthy Adults?

Even healthy adults can become seriously unwell with influenza.

Vaccination may help:

* Reduce the risk of catching influenza
* Reduce the severity of illness
* Reduce time off work
* Protect vulnerable family members

Many people choose annual vaccination for these reasons alone.

What Is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?

In Australia, vaccination is generally recommended from April onwards, before the peak influenza season.

However, if you haven’t yet had your flu vaccine, it’s not too late.

Vaccination remains worthwhile throughout winter while influenza continues to circulate. (Health Victoria)

What’s New in 2026?

One of the most significant changes this year is the introduction of a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine for children.

This vaccine has been widely used overseas and became available in Australia for the first time in 2026. (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))

What Is the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

The nasal spray vaccine is administered as a small spray into each nostril rather than as an injection.

For many children, this can make vaccination much less stressful.

In NSW, a free nasal spray influenza vaccination program has been introduced for eligible children, and the vaccine is also available privately for older children and adolescents. (NSW Health)

Who Can Have the Nasal Spray Vaccine?

The nasal spray vaccine is approved for children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years. (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))

It may be a good option for:

* Children who dislike needles
* Families seeking a needle-free alternative
* Children who are otherwise eligible and have no contraindications

However, it is not suitable for every child.

Children with certain immune system conditions, severe immunosuppression or some medical conditions may still require the standard injectable vaccine.

Your GP or immunisation provider can advise which option is best.

Can I Have My Flu Vaccine and COVID Vaccine Together?

Yes.

Influenza vaccines and COVID vaccines can be given at the same visit.

Many people choose to receive both at the same appointment for convenience. (Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA))

Are Flu Vaccines Safe?

Influenza vaccines have been used safely for many years.

Common side effects include:

* A sore arm
* Mild fatigue
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Low-grade fever

These symptoms are generally mild and short-lived.

Serious side effects are rare.

Does the Flu Vaccine Give You the Flu?

No.

The injectable flu vaccines used in Australia cannot cause influenza.

Some people may experience mild side effects after vaccination, but these are not influenza infection.

Dr Q’s Take

If there is one vaccine I strongly encourage patients to consider every year, it is the influenza vaccine.

Influenza is far more than a bad cold.

Every winter I see patients who are surprised by how severe it can be.

For young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, annual vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy.

And for families with children who fear needles, the arrival of a nasal spray option in 2026 is a welcome development.

A few minutes spent getting vaccinated may help prevent weeks of illness later.

Dr Quinten Willemse

18/06/2026

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