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Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious disease caused by infection from influenza type A or B (or rarely C) virus. These viruses infect the upper airways and lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. In Australia, outbreaks of influenza of varying severity occur every year, usually between May and September.
The flu is more than a bad cold. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after being infected. A person can spread influenza to others a day or two before they become unwell and up to five days after they have become unwell for adults. It can be even longer for young children. The symptoms of influenza can include the following:
Colds are fairly common, and can be caused by any one of many cold viruses. Flu is caused by just 2 or 3 different strains of one virus each year and usually causes a more severe illness. The symptoms of flu come on suddenly with a high fever and affect your whole body - not just your
head and chest like a cold.
| Cold Symptoms | Flu Symptoms |
| Low or no fever | High fever |
| Mild headache | Headache - can be severe |
| Sneezing | Sometimes sneezing |
| Mild cough | Dry cough, often becoming severe |
| Slight aches and pains | Body aches and pains |
| Mild fatigue | Extreme fatigue |
| Sore throat | Sometimes a sore throat |
| Duration of 7 -10 days | Duration of 2 -7 days (cough can last longer), longer if complications develop |
Symptoms to be concerned about in young children include:
Children can also get diarrhoea and vomiting with the flu. If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, consult your doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Most people recover within a week, although a cough and tiredness may persist.
If you have flu-like symptoms, the following steps are advised:
While most people recover from influenza within a week, influenza can sometimes lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation. Young children, elderly people and those with certain chronic illnesses are more likely to develop complications. Influenza can also be fatal.
The virus that causes influenza is mainly spread from person-to-person by virus-containing droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. The droplets can be spread up to a metre through the air and enter the body through the nose and mouth. A person can also catch influenza if they shake hands with an infected person or touch a contaminated surface such as a door knob or telephone, and then touch their nose or mouth.
The annual influenza vaccination, or flu shot, provides good protection against the flu.
The vaccination is strongly recommended for people in high risk groups, these include:
The vaccine is available free of charge for:
A number of precautions can be taken to reduce your risk of catching the flu:
For further information, please contact your local doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
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