Influenza

 What is the flu (influenza)?

A viral infection of the respiratory system known as influenza (flu) is contagious. and can result in serious illness and sometimes fatal consequences (including pneumonia). Individuals of various ages affected. The most common way that the flu transmitted is through inhaling. virus-carrying droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Seasonal infections like the flu appear from April through September. Flu seasons vary from year to year in intensity and length. In Australia, it is predict that the . flu can cause more than 3,300 fatalities in a year with high influenza activity.

Sometimes the flu can kill healthy people as well. Young children, the elderly, expectant mothers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

, as well as those with a compromised immune system or a chronic medical condition, are among

Victorians who are more at risk of developing serious illnesses and flu-related complications.

Due to closed international borders and social segregation measures,

Australia has seen low flu rates since. the COVID-19 pandemic started. Yet, influenza has started to spread more in Australia once borders were reopen in 2021. Immunization against the flu is essential for defending. both you and others around you. Visit Stay healthy this winter for extra information.

the signs of influenza (flu)

The following list of flu symptoms is most typical:

abrupt onset of a high fever (38°C or above)

body aches (particularly in the head, lower back, and legs), a dry cough, and feeling weak and exhausted. (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other signs include:

chills and a stinging in the eyes

appetite loss, a painful throat, and a blocked or runny nose.

If you have recently been into contact with someone who has the flu, you are even more likely to have it yourself.

detection of influenza (flu)

Only when a throat or nose swab has shown positive results can a doctor determine whether a patient has. influenza or another type of virus.

COVID-19 and influenza (flu) are different

The flu and COVID-19 might both have similar symptoms.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are unsure if COVID-19

is necessary, call the COVID-19. helpline at 1800 675 398 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

The following are signs of COVID-19 to look out for:

fever, chills, or sweats, as well as a loss or modification of taste or smell

shortness of breath, a painful throat, and runny nose.

Other symptoms that some people may encounter. include a headache, sore muscles, a stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting,

What to expect when you get the flu (flu)

The flu's symptoms might appear and continue for several weeks. , a flu episode looks like this:

Days 1-3: Fever, headache, aches and pains in the muscles, weakness, a dry cough, sore throat, and a stuffy nose emerge.

Day 4: The fever and muscle pains subside. It becomes more obvious if you have a hoarse voice. a dry or painful throat, a cough, or any suspected moderate chest discomfort. You could worn out or uninspired.

Day 8: Lessening of symptoms. Coughing and fatigue could linger for one to two weeks or longer.

What about complications from the flu?

The flu can sometimes lead to serious sickness and consequences (such pneumonia. and bronchitis). Hospitalization and death may follow this.

Some pre-existing medical issues may worsen as a result of the flu.

For those in Victoria who are at a higher risk of serious flu-related , the flu vaccination is free:

• youngsters 6 months to under 5 years old
• expectant women who are Aboriginal. and Torres Strait Islander, aged 6 months and older, during any stage of pregnancy
• those who are 65 years of age and older, as well as those who are at least 6 months old and have medical. disorders that make them more vulnerable to the flu's complications:
• cardiac illness
• persistent respiratory issue persistent neurological disorders
• circumstances that compromise immunity
• diabetes and other metabolic conditions
• renal disease

children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

How can I avoid getting influenza (flu)?

Getting an influenza (flu) vaccine every year recommended for. everyone aged 6 months or older.

People in the above groups are eligible. for free flu vaccination each year under the National Program.

While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine provides a high level of protection. and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day, one after the other) with a flu vaccine. There is no need for a time interval between these vaccines.

Wearing a face mask and practicing good hand hygiene can help to reduce your chances. of catching the flu or passing it on to others.

I have influenza (flu) – should I see a doctor?

Anyone at a higher risk of serious. illness with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Most people who are generally healthy won’t need to see their doctor for the flu. As symptoms of the flu are like COVID-19, talk to your doctor about testing for COVID-19 infection.

If you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration. Your immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.

If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so. they can make sure there’s no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.

When to seek medical attention

See your doctor if you have any concerns or are in a high-risk group for severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing chest pain

sudden dizziness confusion severe vomiting fever with a rash.

How can I avoid giving influenza (flu) to other people?

It is important we all play our part in helping fight the flu and to protect our health system.

Aside from getting your flu shot, follow these 3 simple steps to stop the spread of the flu:

Step 1 - Cough or sneeze into your elbow

If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of nasty germs.

Step 2 - Wash your hands and

Our hands are one of the top spreaders of viruses. The flu virus is in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses.

Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as lift buttons or handrails for up to 48 hours . when people touch an infected surface.

Wash your hands and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds . Especially if you have been in a

public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, use a hand containing at least 60% alcohol. What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory can cause severe. illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages. The flu is usually spread by breathing in droplets from flu and sneezes that contain the virus.

The flu is a seasonal infection that usually occurs from April to September. Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year. In a year of high influenza activity, it is that the flu can contribute to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia.

Even healthy people can sometimes die from the flu. Some Victorians are at increased risk. of serious disease and of flu, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women,

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a weakened . immune system or a chronic medical condition.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been low rates of the flu in Australia due to closed. international borders and social distancing measures. but after borders reopened in 2021, influenza has begun to increase in Australia. Vaccination is key to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu. For more information visit Stay well this winter.

Symptoms of influenza (flu)

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)

a dry cough body aches ( in the head, lower back and legs) feeling weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other symptoms can be:

chills aching behind the eyes

loss of appetite sore throat runny or stuffy nose.

Having the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it.

Diagnosing influenza (flu)

Influenza and other kinds of viruses can only . confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.

Difference between influenza (flu) and COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be similar.

If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, contact the COVID-19

on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or your GP to check if you COVID-19 testing.

The symptoms of COVID-19 to watch out for are:

loss or change in sense of smell or taste fever chills or sweats

cough sore throat shortness of breath runny nose.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting.

What to expect with influenza (flu)

Symptoms of the flu can hit very and may last several weeks. A bout of the flu follows this pattern:

Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat. and sometimes a stuffy nose.

Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.

Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.

What about influenza (flu) complications?

In some cases of the flu, severe illness and complications (such as pneumonia ) can develop. This can result in hospital and even death.

The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse.

• children aged 6 months to less than 5 year
• cardiac disease
• chronic respiratory conditions
• chronic neurological conditions
• immunocompromising conditions
• diabetes and other metabolic disorders
• renal disease

• disorders

children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

How can I avoid getting influenza (flu)?

Getting an influenza (flu) vaccine every year is recommend for everyone aged 6 months or older. People in the above groups are eligible for free flu each year under the National Program.

While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine provides a high level of protection

and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day, one after the other) with a flu vaccine. There is no rule for a time interval between these vaccines.

Wearing a face mask and practicing good hand

can help to reduce your chances of catching the flu or passing it on to others.

I have influenza (flu) – should I see a doctor?

Anyone at a higher risk of serious illness with flu-like symptoms. should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Most people who are generally healthy won’t need to see their doctor for the flu. As symptoms of the flu are like COVID-19, talk to your doctor about testing for COVID-19 infection.

If you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration. Your immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.

If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so. they can make sure there’s no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.

When to seek medical attention

See your doctor if you have any concerns or are in a high-risk group for severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing chest pain

sudden dizziness confusion severe vomiting fever with a rash.

How can I avoid giving influenza (flu) to other people?

It is important we all play our part in helping fight the flu and to protect our health system.

Aside from getting your flu shot, follow these 3 simple steps to stop the spread of the flu:

Step 1 - Cough or sneeze into your elbow

If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of nasty germs.

Step 2 - Wash your hands

Our hands are one of the top spreaders of viruses. The flu virus in almost invisible

droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses.

Flu viruses can live on surfaces such. as lift buttons or handrails for up to 48 hours and when people touch an infected surface.

Wash your hands and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially if you have been in a public place. or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, use a hand containing at least 60% alcohol.