Influenza (flu)

Influenza is around. Prepare for winter with a flu vaccine.

A woman supporting a man whilst he is suffering from influenza and has a runny nose
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Get your influenza vaccine (flu shot) today

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious illness caused by the influenza virus.

Book your flu shot through your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service.

Pharmacists can administer the flu shot to children aged 5 and over. Parents with children aged under 5 should see their doctor. Some people are eligible for a FREE flu shot because they are more vulnerable to influenza:

  • children from 6 months to under 5 years of age
  • people aged 6 months and older with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
  • pregnant women
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • people who are 65 years of age and over.

Please note: some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.

If you are not eligible for a free flu shot, your doctor or pharmacist will charge you a small fee. The fee may vary between providers.

Why do I need an influenza vaccine (flu shot)?

Influenza (flu) is more serious than the common cold. Each year, people in NSW die from flu-related illness.

An annual flu shot gives the best protection

You need to get a vaccination annually because the protection provided by the flu shot decreases after a few months. Each year the strains of the influenza virus can change. Those which are predicted to affect Australians are reviewed and a new seasonal flu shot is developed, which protects against the types of flu that are expected to be the most common that flu season.

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines can be given together

The influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. People who are eligible for a free flu shot may also be eligible for an additional COVID-19 booster. Ask your doctor whether you need additional protection against COVID-19.

Symptoms of influenza (flu)

Symptoms of the flu may last for more than a week and can include:

  • fever and chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle aches
  • joint pains
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults).

Most people with the flu recover after a few days, but for some people it can lead to a severe and life-threatening illness.

If your symptoms become severe, please consult your doctor or call Triple Zero (000) straight away.

How influenza (flu) is diagnosed

Doctors may suspect influenza based on symptoms.

Doctors can confirm the diagnosis by swabbing your nose or throat to test for the virus.

These tests are usually only needed if the illness is severe or if there is an increased risk of complications.

How influenza (flu) is treated

Rest, drink plenty of fluid, and consider taking gentle pain relief for muscle aches and pains.

Do not give aspirin-containing medications to children under 16 who are ill with flu. Using aspirin increases the risk of children developing Reye Syndrome, a form of encephalitis and liver degeneration.

Specific antiviral medicines can reduce the severity and the duration of flu. However, antiviral medicines:

  • need to be taken within 48 hours of symptoms
  • need to be prescribed by a doctor
  • are usually reserved for people who are at higher risk of complications from a flu infection.

How influenza (flu) is spread

Influenza is spread by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches surfaces, such as door handles and lift buttons.

Influenza can be spread to someone by an infected person even before their symptoms begin. People with flu are infectious from the day before their symptoms start until 5 to 7 days later. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.

Many of the COVID-safe behaviours we have been practicing for the past couple of years are also very effective at stopping the spread of the flu:

  • Stay at home if you're sick

If you are sick, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people to prevent them from also becoming sick.

  • Sneeze into your elbow

Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands or cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a rubbish bin.

  • Clean your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or use an alcohol-based sanitising hand rub.

 

NSW Health Influenza fact sheet – in your language

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