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HomeYour HealthConditionsInfections & Infectious Diseases5 things to know about influenza (the virus and the illness)5 things to know about influenza (the virus and the illness)

Published on Jul 15, 2024
Reviewed by Pfizer Medical Team

 

There are different strains of flu

Flu seasons can be unpredictable because there can be different flu strains circulating every year. Different countries, sometimes even different states within countries, may also be affected by different strains of flu. In temperate regions, flu occurs during the winter months; in tropical regions, flu can occur throughout the year.1

Because of the potential of flu viruses to cause pandemics, experts such as the World Health Organization (WHO) keep a close eye on flu trends (for example: what strains are circulating, which countries are affected (and when), how severe the season is, and how immune the population is), and use this information to develop better preventative measures such as vaccines.1,3

You can be healthy and still get flu

Anyone can get the flu, and most people recover without requiring medical attention. However, some people are at greater risk of complications from flu – these include very young kids, the elderly, and people with medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart conditions and chronic lung disease).2

Flu is not just a cold. Unlike the common cold, flu can make some people very sick and sick for a longer time3; in severe cases, flu results in serious complications that require medical attention, such as pneumonia and breathing problems.

Also, pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, people living in aged or long-term care facilities, people living with homelessness, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders can become very ill with flu.2,5

Health experts caution that because there are many viruses and bacteria currently circulating in the community, there may be a greater likelihood of people getting sick with both viral and bacterial infections at the same time (co-infections), or getting infected by one germ after another (superinfections) – potentially impacting not only one’s immunity but also resulting in prolonged loss in productivity due to illness.6

Flu may not affect you much but you might pass it on to someone who might struggle with more severe illness.

Kids are most likely to spread flu

Flu is highly contagious. It is caused by the influenza virus and transmitted by droplets in the air. In 2023, more Australian children under 16 years were hospitalised from flu than ever before.3 In the first half of 2024, the state of Victoria reported that a third of flu cases were in children aged under 10 years.2

Young children and schoolkids are at risk of getting flu in part due to their close proximity with other kids at school and in childcare settings – these kids are also highly likely to spread flu to their family members.4

You can’t use antibiotics to treat the flu

Antibiotics won’t work because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria. There are specific antiviral medications that your doctor may prescribe to treat flu. And of course, get plenty of rest and fluids.2,5

Help protect yourself and your loved ones from flu

Health experts advise taking precautions to help protect you and your loved ones from flu:2,4,5,7

  • Wash/sanitise your hands regularly

  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces especially when people are sick

  • Wear a mask if you have symptoms; or better still, stay at home if you are able to
  • If you’re sick, avoid close contact with other family members, if possible
  • Avoid crowded places and other high-risk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities, if symptomatic

  • Consider testing yourself with a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before visiting people at high-risk of severe illness

  • Speak to your healthcare professional on how to reduce your risk of flu (e.g. vaccination), including making a plan for what you need to do if you get sick (e.g. antiviral medications).

References
  1. World Health Organization, Influenza seasonal; https://www.who.int/health-topics/influenza-seasonal#tab=tab_1; Accessed 9th July 2024
  2. Victoria State Government, Department of Health, Flu vaccination for all Victorians, health advisory; https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/flu-vaccination-for-all-victorians; Accessed 9th July 2024
  3. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia, Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions; https://www.ncirs.org.au/influenza/influenza-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions-faqs; Accessed 9th July 2024
  4. New South Wales Government, NSW Health, Influenza information for families and young children; https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/families_and_individuals.aspx; Accessed 9th July 2024
  5. New South Wales Government, NSW Health, Influenza fact sheet; https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/influenza_factsheet.aspx; Accessed 9th July 2024
  6. Oliva J, Terrier O. Viral and Bacterial Co-Infections in the Lungs: Dangerous Liaisons. Viruses. 2021 Aug 30;13(9):1725. doi: 10.3390/v13091725. PMID: 34578306; PMCID: PMC8472850. Accessed 9th July 2024
  7. New South Wales Government, NSW Health, NSW Health warns of high seasonal influenza activity; https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20240620_01.aspx; Accessed 9th July 2024
External Resources

- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Influenza (flu)

- Healthdirect: Flu (influenza)

- World Health Organization (WHO): Influenza seasonal

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