The flu also known as influenza is caused by the influenza virus. It is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. It causes a wide range of symptoms, usually a cough, fever, muscle aches and pains. The flu can cause serious illness even in previously healthy people.
Annual vaccination against influenza virus is recommended. It may help prevent serious flu infection. The following categories of people are eligible for free vaccine.
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months to 5 years of age and those aged 15 years and over
- People with heart disease
- People with moderate to severe asthma and chronic lung disease
- People with chronic neurological conditions
- People with medical conditions that lower the immunity
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic Kidney disease
- Children aged from 6 months to 10 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy.
Talk to your doctor to get the annual flu vaccine.