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 (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages.
The flu is a seasonal infection that usually occurs anywhere between April and September. Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year.
Some Victorians are at increased risk of serious disease and complications of flu, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition.
Getting a flu vaccine every year is recommended for everyone aged 6 months or older.
While not 100% effective, the flu vaccine provides a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.
COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine and other routine vaccines. Speak to your immunisation provider for advice about COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
Wearing a face mask and practiscing good hand hygiene can help to reduce your chances of catching the flu or passing it on to others.
You can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccination from your pharmacist or doctor (GP). Pharmacists can administer the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to anyone aged five (5) years and over.
Many immunisations in Victoria may also be provided by: local councils, GPs and specially qualified nurses in medical clinics and community health services, some maternal and child health nurses, travel medicine clinics, community pharmacists and hospitals. Learn more here.
Find a vaccine provider here: Find a health service | healthdirect
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your nearest hospital
Your GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Victoria is currently experiencing an increase in COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people going to hospital with COVID-19.
One of the best ways to stay well this winter is to have your flu vaccination and stay up-to-date with your COVID vaccinations.
Find out more here.
What you need to know about COVID-19 in Victoria: COVID-19 - Better Health Channel
Information around testing for COVID can be accessed here: Testing for COVID-19 - Better Health Channel
Checklist for COVID cases can be found here: Checklist for COVID-19 cases - Better Health Channel
Checklist for COVID contacts can be found here: Checklist for COVID-19 contacts - Better Health Channel
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
It affects people of all ages but especially infants and young children. Most young children have been infected with RSV at some stage by two (2) years of age. It is usually seasonal, occurring more frequently in autumn and winter.
It is one of the most frequent causes of the common cold and ear infections.
It can also cause more serious respiratory infections such as:
RSV can also worsen pre-existing heart or lung problems such as heart failure or asthma.
A person with RSV is infectious from just before the onset of illness until usually 10 days after symptoms begin, but this may be longer in people with ongoing symptoms or serious illness.
RSV can spread easily from person-to-person through:
An RSV vaccine (Arexvy®) is recommended for all adults aged 75 years and older, as well as adults aged 60-74 years who may be at higher risk of severe disease, to protect against illness and complications from RSV infection.
The RSV vaccine is not funded on the National Immunisation Program. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine, eligibility and cost.
Good cleaning, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing the spread of RSV, especially in people with symptoms:
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your nearest hospital
Your GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, seven days)