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Influenza (flu)

YOU’RE JUST FLU’S TYPE

YOU’RE JUST FLU’S TYPE

Anyone can catch the flu. Being young, fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. It might be mild for some people, and cause very serious illness in other people.

 

What could flu do to you?

I am 60 or older

FIT, healthy and over 60? Flu can’t wait to catch up with you

If you are 60 or older, a decreasing immune system and other chronic health conditions increase your risk of severe flu and its complications. At your age, flu can have serious health complications.

Increased risk of stroke and heart attack

If you catch the flu:

  • It could take up to 7–10 days to recover
  • It can disrupt your holiday plans
  • You might end up in hospital

Vaccination can help reduce your risk of catching the flu and getting severe complications
There are a range of flu vaccines available – both funded and non-funded. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccine is right for you
 

Download a handy guide to the flu and what it means for you: Patient Brochure

I have young children

CHILDREN at school today? So is the flu

Across most of Australia, the level of influenza cases increases after school returns compared with when they are on holidays.

What happens if they catch the flu?

  • They may spread it to the rest of the family – children under 5 are the most likely to spread flu to other people, or other family members
  • Once one family member catches the flu, everyone else’s risk increases too – up to 38%
  • You may need to take an average of 1.34 days off work for each child who becomes sick with the flu
     

Vaccinating your children may help improve their attendance by helping protect them from the flu
That’s why it is recommended that all children 6 months and over receive a flu vaccination
 

Download a handy guide to the flu and what it means for you: Patient Brochure

Flu vaccine safety

The flu vaccines available in Australia cannot give you the flu even though you might feel some symptoms as your body’s immune system develops a response to the vaccination. The flu vaccines used in Australia strengthen your natural immune system by helping it to recognise the flu virus.

Common side effects that you or your child may experience after the flu vaccine include:

  • Soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever

These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days, usually without any treatment. Any medicine, including influenza vaccines can have potentially serious side effects, but these are very rare. You should contact your doctor if you are concerned about any side effects, or if your child has a persistent high temperature.

It’s time to consider flu differently

Ask your healthcare provider which flu vaccine is right for you

 

Sources & Citations

MAT-AU-2600348 – 1.0 Approved March 2026

  1. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Influenza (flu) vaccine. Available at https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine  Accessed February 2026.
  2. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Australian Immunisation Handbook. Influenza (flu). Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu  Accessed February 2026.
  3. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs). Available at https://ncirs.org.au/influenza/influenza-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions-faqs  Accessed February 2026.
  4. World Health Organisation (WHO). Influenza (Seasonal). Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)  Accessed February 2026.
  5. Monto AS, et al. Vaccine 2009;27(37):5043-53.
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  7. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Deaths due to influenza, 2017. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2017~Main%20Features~Deaths%20due%20to%20influenza~5#:~:text=DEATHS%20DUE%20TO%20INFLUENZA%2C%202017,of%203.9%20per%%2020100%2C000%20persons. Accessed January 2023.
  8. Chang L-J, et al. Vaccine 2019;37:5825–34.
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  10. Warren-Gash C, et al. Eur Respir J. 2018;51(3):1701794.
  11. Australia Centre for Disease Control. Seasonal flu (seasonal influenza). Available at https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/seasonal-flu-seasonal-influenza  Accessed February 2026.
  12. NSW Government. NSW Health. Influenza information for families and young children. Available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/families_and_individuals.aspx  Accessed February 2026.
  13. Wagner BH, et al. BMC Med. 2009;7:81.
  14. Scott AM, et al. F1000Res. 2021 May 26;8:1899.
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  17. NSW Government. NSW Department of Education. Understanding attendance. Available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/about-us/educational-data/cese/2024-understanding-attendance.pdf  Accessed February 2026.
  18. Pannaraj P, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(3):325-32.
  19. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026. Available at Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) clinical advice: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 Accessed March 2026.
  20. Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/flu.html  Accessed February 2026.