Winter, flu season and IV therapy
What an infusion can reasonably contribute through a Brisbane winter, what it cannot, and the things that matter more.
First, the part most pages skip
An IV infusion does not prevent influenza, and it will not stop you catching a cold. If your goal this winter is to avoid the flu, the evidence-based step is the annual influenza vaccination, available from your GP or pharmacy. That is not a disclaimer we are obliged to bury at the bottom of the page — it is the first thing worth saying.
What we can offer is a supervised infusion for people who are generally well and want support through a demanding stretch. That is a wellness choice, not a substitute for vaccination, sleep or seeing a doctor when you are unwell.
If you are already sick, this is the wrong service. Being unwell with a fever is a reason to see a GP, and your nurse will most likely decline to treat you.
What a Brisbane winter actually looks like
Our winter is mild and dry rather than cold, which changes the picture a little.
Dry air, not freezing air
June to August in Brisbane is dry with low humidity. People often drink noticeably less than they do in summer simply because they do not feel hot.
Indoors and air-conditioned
Winter moves people inside, into shared offices and reverse-cycle air. Close contact matters more for spreading illness than temperature does.
A long, busy stretch
End of financial year, school terms, and the run into spring events. Most winter enquiries we take are about workload rather than illness.
The things that come first
If you only do some of this, do these rather than booking an infusion.
Flu vaccination
Annual, free for many people, and available at your GP or local pharmacy. Nothing we offer substitutes for it.
Sleep
Unglamorous and free. It does more for how you feel through winter than any appointment.
Actually drinking water
The easiest thing to let slide when it is not hot. See our comparison of IV fluids versus drinking water.
Staying home when sick
Better for your colleagues than anything you can book, and it is why we decline to treat people who are unwell.
Treatments people ask about in winter
Your nurse will discuss what suits you at the assessment.
May help support immune function and general wellness.
Read more →May help support energy levels and general wellbeing.
Read more →May help support rehydration and fluid balance.
Read more →Individual results may vary. All treatments are subject to health screening and nurse assessment, and IV therapy is not suitable for everyone. Cannulation can cause brief discomfort, and bruising or tenderness at the site; less commonly, vein irritation, light-headedness or an allergic reaction can occur. This is a wellness service, not a substitute for medical care, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Tell your nurse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medication, or have reacted to an infusion before.
Winter questions
Will an IV drip stop me getting the flu?
No. Nothing we provide prevents influenza. The annual vaccination is the evidence-based option and is available from your GP or pharmacy. We would rather you had that conversation with them than book with us instead.
I feel a cold coming on. Should I book?
Not with us. If you are becoming unwell, rest and see your GP if it worsens. A nurse arriving to find you feverish will decline treatment, and you would rather know that now than after booking.
Can I book for my whole team before a busy period?
Yes, and end of financial year is when we are asked most. Everyone is assessed individually and participation is voluntary — see corporate and workplace bookings for how that runs.
Is winter a busier time to book?
Our hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm with Saturday by appointment, so weekday slots go first regardless of season. Book ahead if you need a specific time.
Not sure it is worth it? Our honest comparison covers when to skip an infusion entirely.
Getting through a long winter
Get your flu shot, get some sleep, and call us if a supervised infusion still makes sense for you.
Send an enquiry