Did you know that as of 09/06/2019 there have been 70 confirmed cases of flu in Tasmania so far this year?

What is flu?

Flu (influenza) is a virus that causes an infection of the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs).

There are other viruses that also affect the respiratory system and are common during the colder months. These cause the ‘common cold’, which is different to the flu.

What are flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms often start with fever, muscle aches and fatigue together with headache, cough and sore throat.

People will usually improve over one week, although the illness may persist for longer.

Complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, can be life threatening particularly for older people or those with certain medical conditions.

How is flu diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose flu based on your symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, sometimes your doctor will test for the virus with a swab sample taken from the nose or throat.

How is flu treated?

• Rest, stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.
• Paracetamol can help lower your fever and relieve headache and muscle aches. Follow the instructions carefully on how much to take.
• See your doctor if you are concerned your symptoms are getting worse.
• Your doctor may choose to prescribe antiviral medication. These are only used in certain circumstances and your doctor will decide when they should be used.

Who should get a vaccine?  

You need a flu vaccine every year to help stay protected.

The flu season usually occurs each year in Tasmania between June and September. It is best to have a flu vaccine from mid-April.

This will help protect you in time for the peak flu period.

• The following people are eligible for a free flu vaccine because they are at greater risk of getting severe flu and complications: all children aged from six months to less than five years.
• all adults aged 65 years and over.
• pregnant women at any stage in their pregnancy.

Five simple ways to prevent the spread of influenza

1. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough- The flu virus can travel through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. When you cough or sneeze you should turn away from other people and, where possible, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. Remember to wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.

Where possible, use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief, which could store the virus, and always put the used tissue into the nearest bin, rather than a pocket or handbag.

2. Wash your hands- Washing your hands regularly even when they aren’t visibly dirty is the single most effective way of killing the flu virus. Alcohol based hand products are an alternative to soap and water. Always wash your hands:

• after you’ve been to the toilet.
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu.
• before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and.
• before preparing food and eating.

3. Don’t share personal items- The flu virus can spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it and then touches their face.

If a member of your household has the flu:

• keep their personal items, such as towels, bedding and toothbrushes separate; and
• do not share eating and drinking utensils, food or drinks.

4. Clean surfaces- Flu viruses can live on surfaces for a number of hours. You should regularly clean surfaces such as tables, benches and refrigerator doors with soap and water or detergent.

5. Avoid close contact with others- Keeping your distance from others (at least 1 metre apart) when you are feeling unwell will help reduce the chances of spreading the flu virus to other people.

Avoid going out in public when you are sick. If you have the flu, you should remain at home while you are unwell and have a fever. You should not go to work or school or attend other public gatherings and avoid taking public transport.