Influenza (the flu)

Symptoms usually appear 2  to 3 days after catching the flu, but it can sometimes be as soon as one day, or as late as 7 days after exposure.

The symptoms of flu can vary from mild to severe. They often include:

• fever (38 degrees or more)
• sore throat
• dry cough
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• feeling very tired or worn out.

Some people may also have chills, a runny nose, or feel generally unwell. Complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation or heart problems can happen quickly and may need hospital care.

Children are more likely to have tummy problems such as:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea.

Flu can look different in older adults:

• no fever
• confusion
• trouble breathing
• worsening of other conditions (like heart or lung problems).

Flu and cold symptoms comparison

Groups at risk of severe disease

The following groups are considered at high risk for developing severe disease from influenza:

• the very young – infants and children aged 0–4 years, but especially those younger than 2 years
• adults 65 years and over
• those with chronic disease (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease) or immunocompromised
• pregnant people
• First Nations people.

Most people with the flu can get better at home by:

• resting
• drinking plenty of fluids (particularly water)
• taking medicine from the chemist to help with symptoms (follow the instructions on the label).

Some people may be given prescription antiviral medicine. These can help if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.

Doctors may consider giving antiviral medicine if you:

• have severe symptoms
• are at higher risk of getting very sick
• have a weakened immune system
• are part of an outbreak in a hospital or aged care home.

See your doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you:

• are worried about your symptoms
• are in a group at risk of severe disease and have a cough and or high fever (38 degrees or higher) that is not improving.

Flu can spread from person to person by:

• droplets spreading from an infected person when they cough, sneeze or talk
• touching things with infected droplets on them ( like hands, remote controls, phones, keyboards and door handles - and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

People with flu can spread it from one day before symptoms start until about a week after. Children and people with compromised immune systems can be infectious for longer. Flu spreads quickly at work, school and childcare, even people with mild illness can pass it on.

The best way to stop the spread of flu is to get vaccinated every year. The flu virus changes often, so an annual influenza vaccination helps keep you protected. You can also help stop the spread of flu by keeping your hands clean and covering coughs and sneezes properly.

Here’s how to stay safe and reduce the risk to others:

• stay home if you’re sick. You can spread the flu for up to a week after symptom start
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• if you must go out when you are unwell, wear a mask and keep your distance
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow (not your hands)
• throw away used tissues straight away, then  wash your hands
• don't share things like cups, lipstick, toys, cigarettes, or vapes
• clean surfaces you touch often, like phones, door handles and remotes (flu viruses can be removed using household detergent).

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the flu. Being vaccinated every year gives you protection against the flu by building immunity to the virus. This can also help prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable people in the community.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Influenza vaccination is recommended and especially important for:

• children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• people aged 65 and over
• First Nations people aged 6 months and over
• pregnant women
• people with certain medical conditions aged 6 months and over.

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect pregnant women and pregnant people and their baby against flu. By getting vaccinated, protective antibodies are passed on to the baby through the placenta. This protects the baby in their first few months of life, when they are most vulnerable and too young to have the influenza vaccine themselves. The maternal vaccinations consumer brochure has more information on flu and vaccination in pregnancy.

The influenza vaccine does not contain live flu viruses and cannot cause the flu. However, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours as their immune system responds to the vaccine. While some people may experience mild side effects such as pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, these usually resolve quickly. Serious reactions to the vaccine, including allergic reactions, are extremely rare.

People with egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis, can be safely vaccinated with egg-based influenza vaccines.

If you experience any symptoms after receiving a vaccination that concern you, call 13 HEALTH, your doctor, or the immunisation provider.

Please visit the Queensland Health 2025 influenza vaccination guidelines for  all of the latest influenza vaccination information including:

• vaccine strains
• timing for vaccination
• eligibility for free seasonal influenza vaccines for at-risk groups
• dosage and administration.

Where to get vaccinated:

• your doctor or local immunisation provider
• community pharmacies
• some local councils
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health/medical services
• some employers may offer flu vaccinations for their staff.

Flu and COVID-19

Influenza (flu) is not the same illness as COVID-19. There are separate vaccines available to protect individuals against influenza and COVID-19. Influenza vaccines can be given on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines.

Whilst the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19 infection, it can reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can make a person more likely to catch other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.

For more details regarding vaccines that protect against COVID-19 please visit  the Australian Government Department of Health's website

Most people get better from the flu in about a week, but some symptoms, like coughing or feeling tired, can hang around for a bit longer.

Sometimes the flu can cause serious health problems, like:

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• inflammation of the heart
• brain or nerve problems.

These can lead to a stay in hospital, and in rare cases, the flu can be life threatening. People with other health conditions are at the most risk, but even healthy people can get very sick from the flu. For young children and the elderly, the flu is one of the most common vaccine preventable reasons for hospital admission.

Getting vaccinated and staying home when you’re sick are the best ways to protect yourself and others from flu.

For more information

• see your local doctor
• contact the nearest public health unit
• call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to get qualified health advice 24/7 for the cost of a local call.

If you are in an emergency situation, call 000