How is the flu spread and how can I avoid spreading or getting it?
The flu virus can spread quickly in schools and early childhood centres, due to close proximity of children. The time people are usually most infectious are the first 3 days after symptoms appear. You can infect others from the day before you show symptoms until around 7 days after symptoms begin, sometimes longer.
Flu spreads easily through droplets from your respiratory tract. When you do things like talk, cough or sneeze, these droplets disperse through the air and may land on people and surfaces. Other people can catch seasonal flu by:
- Coming into contact with these droplets via their mouth, eyes, or nose
- Breathing these droplets in
- Touching surfaces or objects that have been in contact with an infected person, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching the flu.
The following may also help prevent you from getting the flu or from spreading it if you unknowingly have it:
- Stay at home if you are sick with cold and flu symptoms. If you need to leave home, wear a mask
- Put physical distance between yourself and others
- Maintain good hygiene, including by regularly washing your hands and maintaining respiratory hygiene
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, particularly if you are around people who are unwell
- Regularly clean objects and surfaces you use often, such as mobile phones and door handles
Who should have a flu shot?
Getting an annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older as an important way to reduce the risk of flu and its complications. Ask your healthcare professional for more information about how the flu shot can help protect you from the flu.
Why should I get a flu shot each year?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends annual flu shots as the flu virus is constantly changing and new-season influenza vaccines are transformed to more closely match circulating strains.
What if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women and their babies/infants are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu. If you are pregnant, it is important to ask your GP or pharmacist about how to best protect yourself and your developing baby. Vaccination during pregnancy is regarded as appropriate and can help to protect your baby for the first few months after birth.
As your baby will not be able to receive a flu shot before 6 months, all adults and children who are likely to come into contact with your family should consider flu-prevention measures to reduce the risk of an infection.
All pregnant women are eligible to receive a free annual flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.
How do I stop the flu early?
As flu is a viral infection, antibiotics won’t help. In some cases, patients may be prescribed antiviral medication by their GP. Antivirals reduce your risk of developing a severe infection, having to go to hospital and spreading your illness to others.
Most people will get better without any treatment within 7-10 days.
Pharmacists or GPs may recommend the use of over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve aches and fever.
NOTE: Flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia. People in high-risk categories such as those with long-term medical conditions, diabetes, lung disease, chronic respiratory conditions, or aged 65 years or over, should always seek medical advice for the flu.
Can vitamin C help with flu?
There is insufficient evidence to suggest Vitamin C helps to treat or prevent flu.
Summary
If you do get the flu, stay home, rest, and stay hydrated. Your GP or pharmacist may recommend the use of over-the-counter medications to help reduce some of the symptoms. Your GP also may prescribe you antivirals, which may reduce the duration of your illness.
Although most people with the flu will recover without medical attention, seek medical advice if you are concerned. People in high-risk categories, or those experiencing signs like chest pain, should always see a doctor if they have the flu.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of flu. Will you be ready for this flu season? Talk to your GP or pharmacist about flu vaccines and how you can protect yourself against the flu.