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Influenza
People aged 65 years and older are at high risk from influenza (the flu), with the great majority of deaths from this condition occurring in this group. Here are some common questions answered:
- What is influenza?
- What are some of the complications of influenza?
- How do you catch the flu?
- The flu vaccination
- Why should I get an influenza vaccination?
- When should I be vaccinated?
- Do I need to receive a flu vaccine every year?
- Is the vaccine free?
- Where can I receive my vaccination?
- Is the vaccine safe?
- Who should not be vaccinated against influenza?
- Is it possible to catch the flu after I have been vaccinated?
- What if a member of my family is in an aged care home?
What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an illness caused by a virus. The virus is passed from person to person by a simple sneeze or cough. Influenza can lead to illnesses which are more severe than those caused by other respiratory viruses, such as the common cold. Typical symptoms of influenza include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, runny noses and watery eyes. Symptoms in older people may also include loss of appetite, onset or increase of confusion, shortness of breath, and increasing Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (more information) symptoms.
What are some of the complications of influenza?
Most healthy adults will recover from influenza within a few days without any complications. However, some people, especially those aged 65 years and older and people with certain chronic medical conditions, can suffer complications. These can include pneumonia requiring hospitalisation, and even death.
How do you catch the flu?
Flu is caused by a highly infectious virus that is passed from person to person through droplets caused by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms develop rapidly one to three days after contact with an infectious person. Individuals are infectious for three to four days after infection and may transmit the virus one to two days before the onset of symptoms.
The flu vaccination
The Australian Government provides free vaccine for older Australians in order to provide greater protection against the flu. The flu vaccine is a very important way to help prevent you from catching the flu.
Why should I get an influenza vaccination?
People aged 65 years and older are more likely to suffer complications from influenza. Even healthy people aged 65 and older are at risk of contracting the virus.
When should I be vaccinated?
The best time to be vaccinated against influenza is in autumn, before the influenza outbreaks in winter.
Do I need to receive a flu vaccine every year?
Yes. The influenza virus changes all the time and the vaccine is changed to match the current circulating virus. The vaccine will provide about 70% protection against infection for about one year. Yearly vaccination is necessary to provide continuing protection against the most recent influenza virus.
Is the vaccine free?
Yes. If you are 65 years or older, the vaccine will be free. But you may need to pay for the consultation with your doctor or health centre.
Where can I receive my vaccination?
Your doctor will be able to give you the vaccine or in some states and territories you may be able to visit your local health centre. For further information about flu vaccination please contact your doctor or local health centre or online at the Immunisation website.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. The most frequent side effect of vaccination is soreness where the needle went in, which may last up to two days. Symptoms such as fever, fatigue and muscle soreness can also occur. These symptoms only mimic the flu. The vaccine cannot cause influenza.
Immediate allergic reactions (such as hives, asthma, breathlessness or collapsing) rarely occur after influenza vaccination. These reactions are probably the result of an allergy to egg protein, which may be present in the vaccine.
Who should not be vaccinated against influenza?
Persons who have an allergy to eggs should not be given influenza vaccine. This includes people who, on eating eggs, develop swelling of the lips or tongue or experience acute respiratory distress or collapse. Influenza vaccine should also not be given to persons who have a fever associated with another illness. Your doctor or health care provider will be able to advise if you should not receive the vaccine.
Is it possible to catch the flu after I have been vaccinated?
It will take about two weeks for your body to develop immunity against the influenza virus after your yearly vaccination. During this time, you should avoid contact with people who may have influenza. However, even if you do catch the flu, the likelihood of developing complications from the infection will be reduced.
For further information on the program please find a range of resources below for both members of the public and immunisation providers.
What if a member of my family is in an aged care home?
Everyone living in aged care homes, people who visit them and health care staff should receive the annual influenza vaccination to minimise the risk of infection to themselves and others.
You should see your doctor immediately AND do not visit anyone in an aged care home, if you have been in contact with people with influenza-like symptoms or if you suddenly have three or more of the following symptoms:
- fever/chills
- tiredness/exhaustion
- cough
- headache
- muscle and joint pain
- sore throat, or
- stuffy/runny nose.
If there are suspected cases of influenza in an aged care home that you visit, you can reduce the risk of infection to yourself and others by:
- washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you enter a resident’s room
- minimising physical contact with the residents and staff
- covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze
- keeping your visit short
- only visiting one resident each time you visit, and
- washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as you leave the resident’s room.
If the person you’re visiting has influenza-like symptoms, you should wear a special face mask for respiratory protection during your visit. Not all masks are suitable for this purpose. You should discuss this with a pharmacist if you are purchasing these. You should also check with staff that the person’s doctor has been notified.
Common questions on this topic:
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