How to avoid the flu this winter

Education materials are being distributed through general practices and community pharmacies to inform Australians about how to reduce the spread of influenza.

‘The flu and you’ brochure and poster series is a reminder of hygiene practices that should be adopted to reduce the spread of the highly contagious respiratory illness.

The flu virus can travel through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. It can then survive on surfaces for several hours, remaining a source of infection for others.

There are, however, simple things everyone can do to help stop the flu spreading:

· covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough;
· washing your hands regularly and properly;
· cleaning household, school and workplace surface areas;
· not sharing personal items such as eating and drinking utensils and food; and
· avoiding close contact with other people and staying home when sick.

Most healthy adults will recover from influenza within a few days. However, some people, especially those aged 65 years and older and people with certain chronic medical conditions, can suffer very serious, even fatal complications.

Annual vaccination, good personal hygiene and protecting others through staying at home when ill are important prevention measures for influenza.

For more information visit www.health.gov.au/fluandyou