Book your flu vaccination now through your local Doctor or via Health Direct
What is Influenza (flu)?
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. There are two main types of human influenza viruses: A and B.
There are also many sub-types and strains. Influenza is more serious than the common cold. Severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia.
People in NSW can die from flu-related illness.
People can get influenza at any time throughout the year but is most common in autumn and winter. In most flu seasons there is more than one strain circulating in the community.
What are the symptoms of flu?
People with influenza often experience some or all the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults).
Some people only have mild symptoms for a few days, particularly if they have some immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.
Other people can get very sick from the influenza and may have complications such as lung infection (pneumonia) or severe breathing difficulties requiring hospitalisation.
These complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.
How is flu spread?
Influenza is mostly spread by droplets made when people with influenza cough or sneeze.
It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that virus droplets have landed on from an infected person.
People with influenza can spread it to others before they are sick as well as while they are sick.
If you have flu symptoms, or have been diagnosed with influenza, it is important to stay home and avoid
contact with others until your symptoms have gone.
You’ll find more information and translated resources here
Book your flu vaccination now through your local Doctor or via Health Direct