Over 2,500 Australians die each year from complications caused by influenza.
Influenza is not a cold. It is a highly contagious disease.
In this section:
Flu symptoms?
If you think you have influenza, please call your General Practitioner or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours).
What can I do to stop the spread of influenza (flu)?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or alcohol rub)
Wash hands for at least 15 seconds – the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’
- Before eating or preparing food.
- After blowing your nose.
- After the toilet.
Stay at home from work or school if you have flu symptoms
- Stay away from work, keep children home from school or childcare, stay away from public gatherings such as parties and sport.
- If you must go out, to visit the doctor or pick up children from school, keep a distance of at least 1 metre from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
The virus is spread through the air when you cough, sneeze and talk.
- Cover your face with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Dispose of used tissues in a bin immediately.
- Wash your hands well afterwards.
- Teach your children to do the same.
Clean surfaces regularly
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.
- Clean surfaces regularly such as benches, taps and doorknobs with detergent and water to kill the virus.
Have a flu shot
- Immunisation is the best protection against flu.
- The 2010 seasonal flu vaccine has three strains - pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) strain, a H3N2 strain and a B strain.
- Seasonal flu vaccine is free for some groups at higher risk of severe complications from the flu – ask your GP if you are eligible.
- You should still have a seasonal flu shot even if you had the single strain pandemic H1N1(swine flu) vaccine.
- Not eligible or don’t want to pay for seasonal flu vaccine? The single strain pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is still available and free for everyone.
- Regular GP consultation fees apply even in cases where the vaccine may be free.
Interpreter Service
Health Care Interpreters - Phone (02) 6205 3333.
Translating and Interpreting Service - Phone 131 450.
