Stopping the flu saves lives. Find out why getting your flu vaccine can help you and others.
What is the flu?
The flu is not the same as a cold. It is a severe disease. For some people, it can lead to problems such as:
- bronchitis
- croup
- pneumonia
- heart and organ damage
- brain damage
- death.
Influenza is a viral disease. You cannot use antibiotics to treat it.Signs of flu include, but not limited to:
- runny nose or sneezing
- cough or sore throat
- fever and chills
- headache
- body aches
- throwing up and having runny poo (more common in children).
Having the flu does not make you feel good. It will put you out of action and keep you away from work or school. This can last up to a week or more. Some people are ill for much longer.
How can I tell if I have the flu?
Infographic courtesy of Healthdirect Australia.
How does flu spread?
The flu spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The droplets with the virus leave their mouth or nose.
A sneeze can hold up to 2 million virus particles, travel at 160 km/h, and spread up to 1.5 metres. These particles can land on a hard surface. People who touch the surface up to 2 days later can pick up the virus.
People are infectious and can spread the virus before they even know they are sick. They remain infectious until 5–7 days after symptoms begin. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for even longer.
Who is most at risk?
Flu has the highest risk to:- the very old
- the very young
- people who are pregnant
- people who have underlying chronic health conditions.
Each year, the Australian Government sets aside millions of flu vaccine doses. This is to make sure those most at risk can get the vaccine against the flu for free through the NIP. These are for people who are:
- aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 6 months of age
- children aged between 6 months and under 5 years
- Living with a chronic condition, including heart disease, coronary artery disease, asthma and COPD, diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, HIV, cancer and more.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Everyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine yearly. If the free vaccination program doesn't cover you, you can still get the vaccine at a fair cost.
Many employers offer free vaccination to staff, and some pharmacists, GPs, clinics, local council community health clinics, schools, aged care facilities, and hospitals can give the flu jab.
If you work in or visit an aged or disabled care facility, you may need a flu vaccine. You may need to show proof of flu vaccination before you enter. If you get the vaccine, you can get an immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register.
Ask your GP, clinic or pharmacist where you can get your flu vaccine.
Find out more about where you can get the flu vaccine
Many employers offer free vaccination to staff, and some pharmacists, GPs, clinics, local council community health clinics, schools, aged care facilities, and hospitals can give the flu jab.
If you work in or visit an aged or disabled care facility, you may need a flu vaccine. You may need to show proof of flu vaccination before you enter. If you get the vaccine, you can get an immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register.
Ask your GP, clinic or pharmacist where you can get your flu vaccine.
Find out more about where you can get the flu vaccine
I had a flu vaccine last year. Why do I need one this year?
Each year, the flu viruses that spread in the community change. The protection from last year's vaccine lessens over time. It takes up to 2 weeks to get complete protection from this year's flu jab.
This year, the flu vaccines contain new A and B strains. All the vaccines approved for use in Australia contain four strains of the flu virus: two type A and two type B strains.
This year, the flu vaccines contain new A and B strains. All the vaccines approved for use in Australia contain four strains of the flu virus: two type A and two type B strains.
Is it safe?
All medicines can have side effects, but the flu vaccine is very safe. The chance of having a serious problem from having a vaccine is far lower than the risk of serious harm from catching the flu.
Your health professional will ask you questions before giving you the vaccine. This is to ensure that you are not at higher risk of side effects, which may be due to how you react or other problems.You may get these common side effects:
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site (most common)
- body aches, feeling tired or a slight fever.
Does age matter?
Influenza vaccines available for use in Australia in 2024
What else can I do to stop the spread of flu?
Help keep our community safe and healthy by taking these simple steps.
At all times:
- If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue. Wash your hands after throwing it out.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve rather than your hands.
- Don't share personal items such as water bottles, cups, plates and cutlery.
- Clean your hands – wash with soap and water or use hand sanitiser often.
If you catch the flu:
- Stay home from work or school. Don't visit schools, childcare centres or aged care homes.
- Don't share a room, bed, or utensils. This will help to stop family or household members catching it from you.
- If you have to go out in public, think about wearing a face mask to protect others.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often.
The good news is that taking these measures will also slow the spread of other diseases, like colds.
Where can I find out more?
The best way is to talk to your health professional and take their advice.
You can find more information at these respected health sites.
Australian Government information Your State and territory government information
You can find more information at these respected health sites.
Australian Government information Your State and territory government information
