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Healthy lifestyle: Influenza information

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Influenza, commonly called ‘the flu’, is an illness caused by the influenza virus, which can be passed from person to person by a simple sneeze or cough and is therefore easy to catch in crowded areas and confined spaces.
Most healthy people will recover from the flu within a week without any complications. However some people, especially those aged 65 and over and those with certain chronic medical conditions, can suffer complications. This can include pneumonia requiring hospitalisation, and even death. Australian research has highlighted that almost 50% of those most at risk of falling seriously ill or dying from influenza do not plan to immunise against the deadly disease and 75% were unaware they fell into this category.

What are flu symptoms?

Healthy people who become infected may have a sore throat, dry cough, nausea and sore eyes. In more severe cases, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains and loss of appetite can occur.

What can I do about not getting the flu?

Prevention is the best treatment. A healthy lifestyle, proper diet, not smoking and exercise will all help.

What do I do if I get the flu?

If you become ill, stay at home and rest. This not only gives your body much needed rest, but importantly stops you spreading the virus to others. If you continue to feel unwell or have a pre-existing condition you should consult your GP for further advice.

Who should have a vaccination?

• People aged 65 and over, even if they are healthy.
• People at high risk of the serious complications of influenza, such as those with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, severe anaemia, frail and elderly people living in nursing homes, or people taking corticosteroids or other drugs that reduce immunity.
• Health care workers and others caring for high risk people.

Side effects from the flu vaccination

The most frequent side effect of vaccination is soreness at the site, which may last up to two days. ‘Flu-like’ symptoms such as fever, fatigue and muscle soreness can also occur. These symptoms only mimic the flu. The vaccine cannot cause influenza: what is actually given by injection is only the part of the virus that will protect you from the disease. People who have an allergy to eggs are advised not to have the vaccine as it contains egg protein.

For more information about the flu or the flu vaccination, see your local doctor.

Six simple steps

Try these six simple steps to minimise your chance of getting sick this winter:

1. Get the flu shot - this is the best defence against the flu.
2. Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of infection.
3. When you cough and sneeze make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then throw it in the bin.
4. If you get the flu, stay at home and keep away from crowded places.
5. Contact your GP if you are sick - save the emergency department for emergencies.
6. Give up smoking. The best thing a smoker can do for his or her health is quit. For free confidential expert advice or counselling call the Quitline on 131 848.

Printable version

Related links:

• Printable version
• GP Unit
• Ageing well
• RACS
• Self help: Hearing loss
• Fact sheets