What is Influenza
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and ranges from mild to severe. It's distinct from the common cold, though the two are often confused because colds can cause flu-like symptoms.
Request a QuoteHow influenza spreads
The virus spreads mainly through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. It’s also possible to catch the flu by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face, though this is less common than airborne transmission.
Infected people can spread the virus before they even know they’re sick. This makes workplaces, public transport, and other shared spaces particularly effective environments for transmission.
Flu symptoms
Flu symptoms usually start about two days after exposure, though it can range from one to four days. They tend to come on suddenly rather than building gradually, which is one way to distinguish the flu from a cold. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
Recovery can stretch over two weeks, even in otherwise healthy people. During this time, energy levels are often significantly reduced, making it difficult to work effectively.
Flu season in Australia
Australia’s flu season runs from April to October, with activity typically peaking between June and September. The timing and severity vary from year to year, but the pattern is consistent enough that organisations can plan around it. This is why most workplace vaccination programs are scheduled in the earlier months of the season.
Influenza vs the common cold
People sometimes dismiss the flu as “just a bad cold,” but the two illnesses are caused by different viruses and differ in severity. Colds generally produce milder symptoms and resolve within a few days. Influenza hits harder and lasts longer. The flu can also lead to complications, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain underlying health conditions. More on this is covered on our flu complications page.
Vaccination
Annual vaccination is the primary method of protection against influenza. The vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. For information on how the vaccine works and common questions about side effects, see our page on flu vaccine side effects. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides authoritative clinical guidance on influenza vaccination.
If you’re interested in vaccination for your workplace, Corporate Care runs onsite flu vaccination programs across Australia with AHPRA-registered nurse immunisers. Request a quote to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Usually about two days, though it can range from one to four. Flu symptoms come on suddenly rather than building gradually, and that sudden onset is one of the clearest ways to tell influenza from a cold.
They are different viruses. A cold builds slowly and clears in a few days. Influenza comes on suddenly and brings fever, chills, headache, body aches and a general feeling of being unwell — which is why it takes people out of action far more thoroughly than a cold does.
Influenza can lead to complications, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions. Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, and is particularly recommended for those groups and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Anyone concerned about their own risk should speak with their GP.
Yes. The virus can be detected in the upper airway up to a day before symptoms start, so people pass it on before they know they are sick. That is what makes workplaces, public transport and other shared spaces such effective places for it to move.
Influenza circulation usually peaks between June and September in most parts of Australia, though influenza can occur year-round. Vaccination is recommended before the season starts, which is why most workplace programs run from late March to late May.
The vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. Australian flu vaccines are trivalent, containing three strains — two influenza A subtypes and one influenza B lineage. Annual vaccination remains the main protection against influenza.
