Influenza (flu)

Find out how we define and monitor cases of influenza, how you can get vaccinated, and where you can learn more about this disease.

About influenza

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious disease, usually prevented by vaccination and treated by managing symptoms. Spread by body fluids from infected people, symptoms include fever, body aches, a runny nose and sore throat. Flu can affect anyone but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions and older people. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are many different strains and they can change every year.

Disease type:
Respiratory
Vaccination available under NIP:
Yes
Notifiable disease:
Yes

Prevention

Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. In Australia, flu vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.  If you're eligible, you can get flu vaccines for free under the National Immunisation Program. See more information about when to get vaccinated.

Vaccination

Find out more about getting vaccinated against influenza.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

For information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's flu page.

Treatment in residential aged care facilities

From mid-May 2022, packs of the prescription-only medication, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an oral antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza A and B infections, are being sent to residential aged care facilities in a one-off pre-placement.

This stock is being pre-placed to ensure access to supplies at the commencement of this year’s flu season.

Information for aged care providers

Surveillance and reporting

Influenza is a nationally notifiable disease.

We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and report through:

For more on influenza in Australia, you can:

Last updated:

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