1. What is the Flu?
2. What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?
3. Is it possible to get the flu from the injection?
4. Who should be vaccinated against the flu?
5. Are there any reasons why I should NOT get vaccinated?
6. What are the side effects?

1. What is the Flu?

Influenza or ‘the flu’ is a serious illness. It is a highly contagious virus that is spread from person to person in droplet form. Usually by coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces where the flu virus is present. Flu usually affects the respiratory system and can lead to such diseases as pneumonia. In some cases hospitalisation is necessary, and can be life-threatening, particularly in the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart or lung problems.

2. What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?

The common cold usually has different symptoms to the flu and doesn’t have the same potential to develop into a life-threatening illness. Colds tend to begin more slowly than the flu and symptoms are generally less severe.

The flu comes starts very quickly and symptoms are severe. You will experience high fever and muscle aches and pains. Typically the flu virus can last from five to ten days, however, feelings of exhaustion can last for several weeks.

3. Is it possible to get the flu from the vaccine?

NO!! It is impossible to get the flu from the flu vaccine. The vaccine does not contain any live viruses so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine. The vaccine WILL NOT protect you against a common cold or other respiratory illnesses that are often confused with the flu. In some instances the flu vaccine will not protect against a very different strain of the virus.

4. Who should be vaccinated against the Flu?

Most people will benefit from the flu vaccination. However, it is particularly recommended for the following high-risk groups:

• Anyone wishing to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease
• Those 65 years of age or older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 50 years of age or older
• Adults and children (> 6months) with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease or those with a blood disorder
• People living in nursing homes, hostels or other long-term care facilities
• People with a weakened immune system
• All people that look after, or live with people in any of the above groups

5. Are there any reasons why I should NOT get vaccinated?

Examples include:

• Anyone with an allergy to eggs and/or chicken feathers
• Infants under 6 months of age
• Anyone who has had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past
• Persons who are ill with a high fever must wait until they are well before getting the flu vaccine

6. What are the side effects?

The Flu vaccine is generally well tolerated. Examples of common reactions that may occur are:

• Soreness or slight swelling around the injection site
• Mild fever and head or minor body aches

These side effects are generally short lasting and will resolve spontaneously. Please read the Consumer Medicine Information, which accompanies the consent form. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

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