Influenza A (flu)

Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It’s not usually dangerous if you are healthy, but can cause serious problems if you’re not. Find out more about what influenza A is, what the symptoms are and how to treat it.

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Colds and flu prevention

Good hygiene is one of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu (influenza). Find out how to prevent colds and flu.

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Colds and flu statistics

Trusted facts and figures about colds and flu (influenza), including statistics on different types of flu, risk levels, outbreaks and pandemics.

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When to get the flu shot in Australia in 2019

Confirmed cases of influenza in Australia have been unusually high recently, so it's a good time to consider getting the flu vaccine - which offers 3 to 4 months' protection.

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Colds and flu – an overview

Colds and flu (influenza) are different illnesses caused by different viruses. Learn about difference between colds and flu and read our advice on how to best prevent.

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Flu trends in Australia

Information about current influenza trends in Australia, including data for health professionals, plus tips and advice to help you prevent the flu.

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What causes colds and flu?

Colds and flu (influenza) are very contagious viral infections and you can catch a cold or flu at any time of the year, not just in winter. Learn about causes cold and flu symptoms.

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Colds and flu treatments

If you have a cold or flu (influenza) there are a number of ways you can treat your symptoms, although most people will usually get better within 7-10 days without any treatment.

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Flu vaccine FAQs

Got a question about the flu vaccine? Learn more about when to get vaccinated and who should get it.

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Colds and flu types

More than 200 types of viruses can cause a cold, as well as various types of flu viruses. Find out about the different types of colds and flu.

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Colds and flu diagnosis

If you are generally healthy, you probably won’t need to see a doctor to diagnose a cold. Find out about diagnosis of colds and flu.

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Colds and flu symptoms

Symptoms of a cold can include:sore throat, fever (a temperature of 38 °C or higher), sneezing, blocked or runny nose and cough. Learn about cold and flu symptoms.

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5 convenient truths about the flu and the flu vaccine

You can't go on social media or walk into a workplace tea room without hearing flu myths and misconceptions. Here are 5 things that are true about the flu and the flu vaccine.

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Help stop the spread of flu as the death toll rises

An early start to flu season has seen 25 people die in Queensland and nationwide notifications of flu rise to 43,000. Here's what you can do to prevent the spread of flu.

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Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

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Flu trend report for health professionals

Staff at Healthdirect Australia collect influenza (flu) data based on calls to the healthdirect helpline. This page provides a detailed flu data report for health professionals.

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All about colds and flu

Learn all about colds and flu, such as prevention and treatment, getting vaccinations and how to look after children.

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10 tips to fight the flu – infographic

Flu vaccine and good hygiene are some of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu. Here's a handy list of tips to fight the flu.

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Cold or flu? (infographic)

Explore this infographic to compare colds and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths and learn more about the flu vaccine.

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Fever in children - infographic

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 and how the virus spreads

Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19), how it is diagnosed and treated, how it is spread and what to do if you come into contact with it.

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Cold and flu during pregnancy

When you are pregnant you need to be careful how you treat cold or flu as it can effect your unborn baby.

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Colds and flu medication

Learn about over-the-counter medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms and when antiviral medication may be helpful.

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How colds and flu impact blood donations — and how you can help

Up to 1,400 people per day are cancelling their blood donation appointments, following an early start to the cold and flu season. Here's how your donation can help.

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Fever

A high temperature is a normal response to infection and can be a common sign of a cold or flu. Learn about how to take a temperature reading and self-care advice.

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Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve the symptoms.

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Avian influenza (bird flu)

Trusted information about avian influenza (bird flu) from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on avian influenza in humans.

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more here.

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Immunisation and pregnancy

During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally weaker than usual so are more susceptible to certain infections and illnesses which can be harmful to you and your developing baby.

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Pneumonia prevention

There are vaccines which reduce the risk of getting pneumonia. Learn why vaccination is recommended as a prevention for people in at risk groups.

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