The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.
Call the clinic on (02) 6777 4293 today to book in your Flu Vaccination!
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of human influenza virus: A and B. Within these two types, there are many sub-types and strains. Influenza is more serious than the common cold. Severe cases can result in breathing difficulties due to pneumonia. Other complication from influenza include inflammation of the heart or brain, and sepsis (where the body has an extreme response to an infection). Every year, some people in NSW die from flu-related illness.
People can get influenza at any time 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 influenza often experience some or all the following symptoms:
- fever and chills
- cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired)
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults).
Symptoms of influenza 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 influenza 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.
How is flu spread?
Influenza is mostly spread by droplets made when people with influenza 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 influenza, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have gone.
How is flu diagnosed?
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of influenza 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.
How long are people infectious?
- People with flu can be infectious from the day before their symptoms start.
- Adults are most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness.
- Children can remain infectious for 7-10 days.
- Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.
Who is at higher risk of severe illness?
While anyone can get influenza, some people are at higher risk of severe illness (more likely to get very sick from influenza, and may be at higher risk of needing hospital care), including:
- babies and children under 5 years of age
- people aged 65 years and older
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- people with certain medical conditions including heart disease, chronic lung conditions (including severe asthma), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic neurological conditions, blood disorders, immunocompromise, and other chronic conditions in children and adults that need regular medical follow up or hospitalisation.
Click HERE to read more about Influenza (the flu)
