Influenza

While we often refer to any cold or flu-like symptoms as the “flu”, influenza is a severe illness and for some, even fatal. Influenza (flu) is an infection caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system. It is spread from person-to-person by tiny drops produced during a cough or sneeze. It can affect anyone. For most people, rest and over-the-counter pain relief will help you manage your symptoms and the infection will resolves itself. But some people are more likely to experience a severe case.

We are all at risk of getting and spreading the flu – it can affect people of all ages. Those at highest risk of being hospitalised with the flu include:

• Infants
• People aged over 65 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Pregnant women
• People with long-term medical conditions
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are obese
• People who smoke
• People who have not been vaccinated against the flu.

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly. People at higher risk of complications, such as those with chronic lung disease, should seek prompt medical attention. Symptoms of influenza can include:

• Sore throat
• Fever and chills
• Headache, muscle aches and joint pain
• Dry, chesty cough
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Most people recover from the flu within one or two weeks, but others, especially the elderly, may feel weak for a long time even after other symptoms go away.

Prevention is your best protection. Getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene and staying at home if you’re unwell is the best way to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of nasty viruses like influenza.

Why do I need the flu vaccine each year?

Vaccination is an effective way of lessening the chance of catching influenza. Unlike other infectious diseases, the flu virus changes and different varieties occur each year. That’s why the vaccine is reviewed each year and updated as needed based on which flu viruses are making people sick, how those viruses are spreading, and how well the previous season’s vaccine protects against those variations.

When should I get the flu vaccine?

Optimal protection against the flu occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination, so it should be timed to achieve the highest level of protection during peak flu season. In most parts of Australia, this is usually between June to September. For most people, a booster dose of the flu vaccine isn’t necessary, but it may be recommended for some individuals for reasons such as travel or pregnancy. You should discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.

What type of flu vaccine should I get?

There are several types of flu vaccines registered and available for use in Australia. It is important to get the right vaccine for your age. Your immunisation provider can tell you which vaccine they will use for you, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook and the National Immunisation Program.

Will I get sick from the flu vaccine?

Most people have little or no reaction to the flu vaccine. Some people may experience a swollen red tender area where the vaccine was given. Occasionally, slight fever and chills, or even worsening of chest symptoms may occur in those who already have lung disease. These rarely last longer than one or two days. Because the vaccine is produced in eggs, people who are allergic to eggs should not receive the vaccine unless it is absolutely necessary.

• Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine?

  Under the National Immunisation Program, the following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine due to their increased risk of complications from the virus:

  – People aged 6 months to less than 5 years
  – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  – Pregnant women
  – People aged 65 years and over
  – People aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions including chronic lung disease such as bronchiectasis and COPD.

  Vaccines are the best defence to reduce the spread of flu. If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still receive it by paying for it. The cost depends on the type of vaccine, the formula and where you buy it from. Your immunisation provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist, can give you more information.

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread through droplets in the air when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. The virus can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your own mouth, eyes or nose. You can spread the flu before you know you are sick, beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Your doctor may diagnose a probable influenza infection based on your symptoms alone. They will listen to your chest using a stethoscope. If your doctor wants to be sure of the diagnosis they may take a sample of cells and mucus from your nose or throat using a sterile cotton swab. This sample will be sent to a pathology laboratory for testing.