Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses [44725]. There are three main types of virus that cause the flu: influenza A, influenza B and influenza C. General flu symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), a sore throat and runny nose.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by the flu [40340] and it is a leading cause of hospitalisation among this population [42032]. As such, early immunisation against influenza is recommended for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free immunisations for eligible Australians, and covers influenza vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over [42960].