Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of human influenza viruses: A and B. There are also many sub-types and strains. Flu is more serious than the common cold and severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia. People in NSW can die from flu-related illness.
Flu can occur 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.
People with flu often experience some or all the following symptoms:
Symptoms of flu may last for more than a week. 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 flu 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.
Flu is mostly spread by droplets made when people with flu 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 flu, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have gone.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of flu is to have a PCR (nose and throat swab) test.
Speak with your doctor to find out if you should get a referral to have a PCR test for influenza. There are antiviral treatments that are available for people people at higher risk of severe illness from flu.
While anyone can get flu, some people are at higher risk of severe illness (more likely to get very sick from flu, and may be at higher risk of needing hospital care), including:
If you are homeless or living in an aged care or long term care facility, you may be at increased risk of severe illness. If you are unsure of your risk, speak to a doctor.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness, you should talk to your doctor before you get sick to make a plan for what test to do and what treatment you may need. There are antiviral medicines available to prevent and treat flu. Your doctor can fill out a pre-assessment action plan for respiratory infections and you can discuss which treatment best suits you.
If you have influenza, your doctor will still need to provide a prescription for antiviral medicines but having a plan will help you access antiviral medicines quickly and easily.
If you are sick with flu, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people. Keep sick children away from school and other activities. To avoid infecting others, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved and until you are feeling well. This is especially important if you visit people at higher risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, infants, older people and people in hospital, residential aged or disability care.
People at higher risk of severe illness from flu may be eligible for antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). Antiviral medicines may reduce severe illness, hospitalisation and death from flu if taken early in the illness. It is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you are able to take antiviral medicines. To be most effective, antivirals should be taken within 48 hours of when symptoms start.
Most symptoms can be managed with:
If you get any of the following symptoms call Triple Zero (000) immediately and tell the ambulance staff you could have flu:
Contact your doctor or Healthdirect 24/7 for free on 1800 022 222 for fast, expert health advice from registered nurses.
