Link to the Department of Health and Ageing homepage.
Link to the Immunise Australia Program homepage.
National Infoline: 1800 671 811

Print page  Decrease text size  Increase text size

Influenza (flu)

State and Territory information:
  • ACT: (02) 6205 2300
  • NSW: Contact the local Public Health Units (look under "Health" in the White pages)
  • NT: (08) 8922 8044
  • QLD: (07) 3234 1500
  • SA: (08) 8226 7177
  • Tas: 1800 671 738
  • Vic: 1300 882 008
  • WA: (08) 9321 1312

The flu is caused by two types of viruses in humans (influenza A and B). After infection, symptoms take between 1 to 3 days to show.

The flu is spread between people through droplets in the air.

Symptoms include:

Further health problems can develop in some people after infection with influenza including pneumonia, heart, blood system and liver complications, which can lead to death, especially in children and older people.

Influenza is a vaccine preventable disease, but vaccines need to be given each year, because the viruses are always changing.

Vaccinations recommended for older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for Indigenous people aged over 50, and aged 15 to 49 who are at high risk (according to NHMRC recommendations), and people 65 years and older under the Immunise Australia Program.

For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).

Page last modified: 08 April, 2008