Influenza, commonly known as the seasonal flu, is one of the most common respiratory infections affecting Australians each winter. Although many people recover within a week, the flu can still cause serious illness, particularly for children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions. By understanding what influenza is, how it spreads and how to prevent it, you can better protect yourself and your family throughout flu season.
What We Will Cover
- What influenza is and how it differs from other viruses
- How the flu spreads in Australia
- The most common flu symptoms
- Who is at higher risk of severe influenza
- How influenza is diagnosed and treated
- Key flu prevention strategies, including vaccination
- How Australia monitors flu activity
Understanding Influenza (Seasonal Flu)
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Seasonal flu occurs each year and is usually caused by influenza A and B viruses. The flu virus changes frequently, which is why the flu vaccine is updated annually to match the most common circulating strains.
According to Australian Centre for Disease Control Before the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza was one of Australia’s leading causes of notifiable disease-related hospitalisations and deaths. On average, the flu contributes to:
- About 3,500 deaths
- More than 300,000 GP consultations
- Around 18,000 hospitalisations
These figures show why influenza remains one of Australia’s most important winter health concerns.
When Is Flu Season in Australia?
Flu activity peaks between June and September, when cooler weather leads people to spend more time indoors and in closer contact. This makes it easier for the virus to spread. Since influenza strains change each year, the annual flu vaccine provides the best protection and is recommended from April onwards.
How the Flu Spreads
Influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on people nearby or settle on surfaces.
You may catch the flu by:
- Breathing in droplets from an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth
- Spending prolonged time in close contact with someone who is unwell
Because a person can spread the flu before symptoms appear, influenza often moves quickly through homes, workplaces, schools and childcare centres.
Common Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and may include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Symptoms often develop one to four days after exposure to the virus.
Recognising early signs of flu helps you take steps to recover sooner and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Influenza?
Although anyone can get the flu, some groups face a greater risk of complications such as pneumonia or hospitalisation. These include:
- Children under 5 years
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who smoke
- Residents of aged-care facilities
Because influenza spreads easily, these groups benefit from early medical advice and annual flu vaccination.
How Influenza Is Diagnosed
GPs diagnose influenza based on symptoms and, if needed, diagnostic testing. Common tests include:
- PCR tests, which provide highly accurate results
- Rapid antigen tests (RATs), available in pharmacies and supermarkets
Because flu symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections including COVID-19 your GP may test for multiple viruses at the same time.
Treatment and Home Care for Influenza
Most people recover from influenza within seven to ten days. To support recovery at home, you can:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Keep warm
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed for fever or discomfort
Warm drinks, throat lozenges or sprays may provide additional relief.
Antiviral medications
Your GP may prescribe antiviral medication if you are at greater risk of complications. These medicines work best when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms and can shorten the duration of illness.
Antibiotics
Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics only if a secondary bacterial infection occurs.
Should You Stay Home When You Have the Flu?
If you develop flu symptoms, staying home helps protect those around you. Children should remain at home until symptoms resolve. Returning to school, work or public places too soon increases the risk of passing the virus to others especially those who are more vulnerable.
Preventing Influenza: What Works Best
Annual flu vaccination
Flu vaccines, the most effective way to prevent severe influenza. Many Australians qualify for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. Getting vaccinated from April ensures the best protection throughout winter.
Additional flu prevention strategies
You can help reduce flu transmission by:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding touching your face
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Staying home when unwell
- Wearing a mask if you have symptoms and must be around others
Good hygiene remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent viral spread.
How Australia Monitors Flu Activity
Influenza is a nationally notifiable disease, which means laboratories report confirmed cases to the Australian Government. Several surveillance systems, including FluTracking, FluCAN, ASPREN and SPRINT-SARI, help monitor how influenza spreads across the country. These systems support public health planning and help authorities respond quickly to outbreaks.
Conclusion
Influenza is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infection that affects many Australians every winter. Recognising the symptoms, understanding how the virus spreads and knowing how to prevent infection all play a vital role in protecting yourself and your community. Annual flu vaccination, good hygiene practices and early advice from a GP continue to be the most effective strategies for managing the seasonal flu.
How We Can Help
Berkeley Medical Centre offers comprehensive seasonal flu care, including influenza vaccinations, symptom assessment, chronic condition management and personalised support. Our GPs provide care to help individuals and families stay well during flu season.
