Influenza
What is influenza?
Influenza (flu) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. It is often confused with the common cold, but is far worse than a cold or sinus and bronchitis infections.
The three key symptoms of influenza are fever, dry cough and fatigue. Other symptoms include headache, muscle aches and pains, weakness, running nose and sore throat. Influenza can be fatal if people develop complications like pneumonia – particularly for those aged 65 years and older or those with a chronic illness.
Most people recover from influenza within 2 – 7 days (although the cough may last longer), but while they are sick they are usually very unwell.
The incubation period for influenza is 1- 3 days.
Influenza spreads rapidly around the world in seasonal epidemics and imposes a considerable burden in the form of hospital and other health care costs and lost productivity.
How is influenza spread?
The influenza virus is easily passed from person to person through the air by droplets and small particles excreted when infected people cough or sneeze without covering their mouths or noses.
The virus can also be passed from person to person through contact with infected surface. Viruses can live for several hours on surfaces, so if someone with influenza coughs into their hands and then touches something, you could catch the virus simply by touching the same thing, then touching your mouth or nose.
The virus enters the body through the nose or throat. It then takes between one and three days for the person to develop symptoms.
Disease spreads very quickly among the population especially in crowded circumstances.
Staying away from people who have influenza only provides partial protection as people can pass on the virus for up to 24 hours before the start of symptoms, and for seven days after the symptoms go away. Children under the age of 12 can shed the virus to other people for up to 21 days from the start of symptoms.
How do I avoid/reduce the spread of influenza?
There are a number of simple ways to reduce your chances of catching influenza:
- Get a flu vaccination. The vaccination will protect you from the seasonal influenza viruses currently circulating and will help protect your family, friends, colleagues and patients (you have to have the flu to be able to spread it).
- Wash your hands frequently. Research has shown that frequent handwashing by whole communities can dramatically reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory infections.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water:
- before touching your mouth, nose, eyes, food, drinks or kitchen utensils
- after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose (before touching anything else).
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- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or even your sleeve or the crook of your elbow (rather than your hand) if you don’t have a tissue handy.
- Don’t keep the flu in your pocket! If you have a runny nose, blow your nose into a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a suitable bin.
- If you have the flu - don’t share it! Stay home and keep sick children home. Sit at least a metre away from other household members - especially if you are coughing.
Talk to your GP about whether you should have the pneumococcal vaccine to reduce the risk of pneumococcal infection – the main cause of serious secondary bacterial infection resulting from influenza.
Who should avoid influenza vaccincations?
Anyone with a high fever or a serious allergy to either the antibiotic Gentamicin or eggs should not have the influenza vaccination.
Who should have the yearly influenza vaccination?
It is highly recommended that the following people have the yearly influenza vaccination:
- Anyone who wants to avoid having influenza
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over
- Adults and children older than six months with chronic diseases affecting the heart, lungs, or that require regular medical follow-up
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Persons with immunodeficiency, including HIV/AIDS
- Adults and children older than 6 months who live in a household with a person who fits into any of the categories above
- Health care workers and staff of nursing homes and long term care facilities who care for people at high risk
- Children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years) on long-term aspirin therapy.
- Travellers, especially those in the above risk groups, if travelling to the northern hemisphere between October and March
- Pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester during the influenza season.
Will I have to pay for the flu vaccination?
If you are 65 years or older, or are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 50 years or older (and younger for Aboriginal people who smoke or have underlying health conditions) the vaccination will be free. However, your doctor might charge for the consultation.
When should I have the flu vaccination?
The best time to be vaccinated against influenza is in autumn, prior to winter influenza outbreaks. The vaccine is usually available from March onwards each year.
Do I need a flu vaccination every year?
Yes. Annual vaccination is necessary to provide continuing protection against the most recent influenza virus.
Note that the annual seasonal flu vaccination will NOT protect against avian (bird) or pandemic influenza.
Can the flu vaccination make me sick?
It is not possible to catch the flu from the flu vaccination because the virus in the vaccine has been killed to ensure this cannot happen.
The vaccination might cause some localized discomfort for a small number of recipients and some people might feel a little unwell or have a fever for a day or two. Other side effects are rare.What treatments are available for influenza?
- New antiviral medications for influenza can be effective in reducing the severity and the duration of the illness if commenced shortly after the onset of the illness. They are usually only available on prescription from your doctor.
- Paracetamol can be used for the relief of fever, headaches and muscle aches and pains.
- It is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Severe cases of influenza may require admission to hospital, intensive care and/or antibiotic therapy to prevent/treat secondary infection.