Protect yourself against the flu this winter.
What is influenza?
Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans - types A and B - and many sub-types or strains. Flu can occur throughout the year but influenza activity usually peaks in winter.
Flu is a vaccine-preventable illness but a new vaccine needs to be given each year because influenza viruses change (mutate) constantly. A new flu vaccine is prepared each year to best match the strains predicted for the coming flu season.
What are the symptoms of flu?
People with influenza typically experience some or all of 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).
Some symptoms may last for more than a week. Some people may also experience very mild symptoms, particularly if they have some immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.
Seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following symptoms occur:
shortness of breath or rapid breathing
chest pain
confusion or sudden dizziness
persistent vomiting.
How is flu spread?
Influenza viruses are mainly spread by droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Influenza can also be spread through touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed.
People with influenza can be infectious from the day before their symptoms start. Adults are most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness, while children remain infectious for 7-10 days, and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.
Who is at risk of flu?
While anyone can get influenza, people at higher risk of complications from influenza infection (and who are eligible for free annual flu vaccine) include:
children aged 6 months to 5 years
people aged 65 years and older
Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people aged 6 months and over
pregnant women.
Individuals aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza are also at increased risk (and also eligible for free annual influenza vaccine). These conditions include:
cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.
Prevent getting the flu with a flu shot
Influenza vaccination each year before winter arrives is the best way to prevent influenza.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is available for anyone aged 6 months and over to protect against influenza, provided they do not have a medical reason that precludes them from receiving influenza vaccines.
People at higher risk of influenza complications are strongly recommended to have an annual influenza vaccination, and are eligible for free influenza vaccine under the National Influenza Vaccination program.
In addition to people eligible for free vaccine, annual influenza vaccination is also recommended for those who frequently come in to close contact with other people at higher risk of influenza complications (such as health care workers and family members) to help protect vulnerable people from infection.
Book your flu shot at Riverview Medical Practice by booking online, or call 02 4739 6040.
Source: NSW Health
