As the temperature gets colder, it’s a good time to think about how you can stay well this winter.
During the winter months, there is a greater risk of getting sick from certain infections such as colds, influenza (flu) and more.
Because so many respiratory diseases tend to spread at this time of year, it’s important to do what you can to stay well.
Staying home if you’re unwell, keeping up with your vaccinations and wearing a mask if possible are all ways you can do so.
Influenza (also called ‘the flu’) is a viral infection of the respiratory system that can cause severe illness and complications (like pneumonia).
Flu is very easily spread from person-to-person, usually by breathing in cough and sneeze droplets that contain the virus.
The virus is seasonal and normally occurs from April to September, but year to year flu seasons can vary in severity and duration.
Flu affects all age groups, but certain people are at increased risk of serious infections and complications.
This includes young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a weaker immune system or a chronic medical condition.
Common symptoms of the flu include sudden onset of fever (38°C or higher), dry cough, body aches and feeling very weak and tired.
Please see the Better Health Channel for further information on symptoms and basic management of the flu.
If you are feeling unwell, it is important to stay home. If you have flu-like symptoms, you can also talk to your doctor about whether you need to get tested.
Other ways to decrease the spread of flu to yourself and others include:
Everyone aged six months old and older is recommended to get a yearly flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine provides a high level of protection and although it will not prevent all infections, it can reduce symptoms if unwell with flu. The flu vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot give you the flu infection.
You can get your flu vaccine from your local pharmacist or doctor (GP).
Pharmacists can give the flu vaccine to people aged five years old and older.
Please talk to your immunisation provider regarding flu vaccine advice for children aged six months to less than five years.
The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID.
People at greatest risk of severe illness from flu can receive a free vaccination in Victoria, including:
Please talk to your immunisation provider to see if you can have a free flu vaccine.
All other people can purchase a flu vaccine from their immunisation provider.
Click here to find your nearest provider.