What is the flu (influenza)?
The flu (or influenza) is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages. The flu is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes that contain the flu virus.
It is estimated that flu contributes to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia each year.
Even healthy people can sometimes die from the flu. For vulnerable Victorians, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition, the flu can have serious and devastating outcomes.
Symptoms of flu
The most common symptoms of the flu are:
- sudden appearance of a high fever (38°C or more)
- a dry cough
- body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs)
- feeling extremely weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed).
Other symptoms can be:
- chills
- aching behind the eyes
- loss of appetite
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose.
Having the flu is even more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it.
Diagnosing flu
Flu, and other kinds of viruses, can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.
Treatment is similar for any ‘flu-like’ illness, but a diagnosis is useful in helping health officials track disease patterns and frequency. It is also required where complications have developed.
Difference between flu and COVID-19
The symptoms of and flu can be similar.
If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or your GP to check if you require COVID-19 testing.
The symptoms to watch out for are:
- loss or change in sense of smell or taste
- fever
- chills or sweats
- cough
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- runny nose.
Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What to expect with the flu
Symptoms of the flu hit very quickly and may last several weeks. A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern:
- Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose.
- Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat.
- Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.
What about flu complications?
In some cases of the flu, severe illness, and complications (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) can develop. This can result in hospitalisation and even death.
The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse.
People at higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu include:
- pregnant women
- people aged over 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- children under 5 years
- people with chronic medical conditions.
How can I avoid the flu?
Getting a flu shot every year is recommended for all people from 6 months. Many people in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year (in autumn) under the National Immunisation Program.
While not 100% effective, the vaccine provides a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.
Anyone in these at-risk groups with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.
It is recommended you wait at least 14 days (2 weeks) in between receiving your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. You are more likely to experience side effects if these vaccines are given together or within 14 days.
I think I have the flu – should I see a doctor?
Most people who are generally healthy won’t need to see their doctor for the flu. Their immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.
If you think you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration.
If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so they can make sure there’s no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.
When to seek medical attention
See your doctor if you have any concerns. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe vomiting
- fever with a rash.
How can I avoid giving the flu to other people?
It is important we all play our part in helping fight the flu and to protect our health system.
Aside from getting your flu shot, follow these 3 simple steps to stop the spread of the flu:
Step 1 – Cough or sneeze into your elbow
If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of nasty germs.
Step 2 – Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
- Our hands are one of the top spreaders of viruses. The flu virus is carried in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses.
- Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as lift buttons or handrails for up to 48 hours and are spread when people touch an infected surface.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially if you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
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Step three – Rest and recover at home
- If you are sick, rest at home and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid going out, even to the supermarket, where you risk spreading the virus to others. Wear a mask if necessary.
- If you start to experience more serious symptoms, seek medical attention.
- The symptoms of and flu can be similar.
- If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or your GP to check if you require COVID-19 testing.
What medications should I take for the flu?
The flu is a viral infection so antibiotics won’t help and should not be taken.
Antiviral medications, if started in the first 2 days after symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness. These need to be prescribed by your doctor.
Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body’s immune system fights off the infection.
Tips for buying over-the-counter medications
Follow these tips for buying over-the-counter medication for the flu:
- Buy a remedy that treats only one symptom – this way you are not taking any substances you do not need, or that may trigger an adverse reaction.
- Read the medication label and check:
- Whether the active ingredient treats your symptoms.
- Possible side effects.
- Possible interactions with any medications, (including prescription and over-the-counter, medicines (such as vitamins and mineral supplements and herbal medicines).
- Whether the medication is safe for you to take if you have any health conditions.
- If you are unsure if a medication is suitable for you to take, or if you have any other questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a medication that is appropriate and safe for you to take.
Looking after yourself when you have the flu
The best things you can do to look after yourself when you have the flu are:
- Rest – you will probably feel very weak and tired until your temperature returns to normal (about 3 days). Rest provides comfort and allows your body to use its energy to fight the infection.
- Stay at home – stay away from work, school and any places where you may have contact with others, especially while you are contagious. The period during which adults are contagious is usually around 3–5 days from when the first symptoms appear, and up to 7 days in younger children.
- Drink plenty of fluids – extra fluids are needed to replace those lost because of the fever (through sweating). If your urine is dark, you need to drink more. Try to drink a glass of fluids, such as water, every hour while you are awake.
Other useful tips for flu recovery
Other useful flu recovery tips include:
- Take simple pain-relieving medication (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen), as directed on the packet, to ease muscle pain and bring down your fever (unless your doctor says otherwise).
- Do not give any medications that contain aspirin to children or teenagers (under 18 years) with flu. The combination of the flu and aspirin in this age group has been known to cause Reye’s – a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver.
- Antibiotics are not effective against the flu because the flu is a virus, and antibiotics fight bacteria. However, your doctor may prescribe them if you develop a bacterial infection on top of your flu.
- Gargle with a glass of warm water to ease a sore throat. Sucking on sugar-free lollies or lozenges also helps.
- A hot water bottle or heating pad may help relieve muscle pain. A warm bath may also be soothing.
- Use saline nose drops or spray to help soothe or clear a stuffy nose. These decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose. Talk to you doctor or pharmacist about which medication will be the best for you.
- Do not smoke – this will irritate your damaged airways.
- Try warm, moist air inhalation. Boil a kettle and empty the hot water into a bowl. Place the bowl on a steady surface, such as a table. Put a towel over your head and inhale the warm air in the bowl for up to 20 minutes. There is no need to add anything to the water.
- Ask for help if you live alone or care for others. You may need support until you feel better.
- Remember, if you buy medicine at the pharmacy to treat your symptoms (over-the-counter medications), check with the pharmacist to see which one is right for you. Let them know if you have a chronic illness or are taking any other medication.
These tips were provided by Better Health, Victorian Government
