Winter Wellness

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most symptoms resolve within 2 to 7 days, although the cough may persist for longer.

Complications are more likely in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Annual vaccination and good hygiene are the most effective ways to prevent infection and limit outbreaks, especially in high-risk settings like aged care and healthcare facilities.

For more information on influenza, visit the Department of Health's influenza page or speak with your healthcare provider.

People transmit influenza from person to person:

• Through virus-containing respiratory aerosols produced during coughing or sneezing.
• By direct contact with respiratory secretions.

• Other infections such as middle ear infections, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia
• Exacerbation of chronic health conditions such as existing heart and lung conditions
• Other rarer and more severe complications including death
  

• Older adults.
• Infants and young children.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Pregnant women.
• People with chronic health conditions, including:
• Heart, lung, kidney, metabolic (e.g., diabetes), and neurological conditions.
• Immunocompromised individuals.
• People with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²).
• People who smoke.
• Those infected with highly virulent strains or without prior exposure to related influenza viruses.

Severe influenza can also occur in otherwise healthy children and young adults, and community-wide infection rates can be as high as 20% in some years.

• Get your influenza vaccine every year. Protection wears off after a few months, and influenza strains change over time.Wash your hands often with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, then throw tissues away immediately.

• Stay home if you feel unwell to avoid spreading the virus to others.

• Clean surfaces regularly, such as phones, keyboards, and door handles.

• Avoid sharing cups, plates, and utensils with others.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone ≥6 months of age.

Influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for:

• Children aged 6 months to <5 years.
• Adults aged ≥65 years.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• People with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe influenza.
• People experiencing homelessness.
• Pregnant women.
• Healthcare workers, carers and household contacts of people in high-risk groups.
• Residents, staff, volunteers and visitors to aged care and long-term residential facilities.
• Commercial poultry and pork industry workers.
• People who provide essential community services.
• People who are travelling during influenza season.

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable illness in Australia and can cause serious complications, even in healthy individuals. While some people experience only mild symptoms, others may become severely unwell, requiring hospitalisation or, in rare cases, may die from the infection. Annual vaccination helps protect you and your loved ones by reducing the risk of severe illness and limiting the spread of the virus.

You should get vaccinated each year from when the vaccine is available in March/April to be protected before the influenza season. The peak influenza season is usually June to September in most parts of Australia. However, it is never too late to get the vaccine as influenza can spread all year round.

If you had last season’s influenza vaccine late last year or early this year, you should still get the new season vaccine this year when it becomes available.

Vaccination appointments can be booked at a range of health services, including:

• Local doctors or general practices.
• Pharmacies.
• Aboriginal health services (Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service in Wangaratta and Wodonga).
• Local council immunisation clinics. Influenza vaccination is currently available through local council immunisation clinics in Alpine, Indigo, and Wodonga. Please contact your local council first to confirm availability, fees, and eligibility, then book your appointment via the Central Immunisation Records Victoria platform).

Not all providers offer free National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines. Contact your preferred service to ask:

• Which vaccines they offer.
• When appointments are available.
• Whether bookings are required.
• If there are any fees for NIP vaccines.

Alternatively, use the Healthdirect Service Finder to find a nearby clinic or pharmacy. You can contact them to check if the vaccine is available, confirm your eligibility, and ask about any costs before booking an appointment for yourself, your child, or someone else.

Yes, the influenza vaccine is free for eligible individuals in Australia under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Eligibility includes:

• Children aged six months to less than five years.
• Pregnant women – free for every pregnancy and at any stage.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over.
• People aged 65 years and over (with access to a vaccine designed for a stronger immune response).
• People aged six months and over with certain medical conditions, including:
  - Cardiac disease.
  - Chronic respiratory conditions.
  - Immunocompromising conditions.
  - Haematological disorders.
  - Chronic metabolic disorders.
  - Chronic kidney disease.
  - Chronic neurological conditions.
  - Children on long-term aspirin therapy (aged 5–10 years).

If you're not eligible under the NIP, you can still purchase the vaccine privately. Speak with your healthcare provider to confirm eligibility and costs.

You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most reactions are mild and only last a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Common side effects of influenza vaccines include:

• Drowsiness or tiredness.
• Muscle aches.
• Pain, redness and swelling at injection site.
• Occasionally an injection-site lump (may last many weeks - no treatment needed).
• Mild fever.

Talk to your health professional about possible side effects of the influenza vaccines, or if you or your child have side effects that worry you.

The Consumer Medicine Information available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website lists the ingredients and side effects of each vaccine.

Learn more about the possible side effects of vaccination.

Influenza vaccines cannot give a person influenza, because they do not contain a live virus. 

The immune response of the body after vaccination may result in side effects that are similar to early influenza symptoms - however, these generally only last for 1–2 days and are much milder than the symptoms of actual influenza. 

Sometimes people are infected with influenza just before they have received the vaccine or after they have received it but before it has had time to work (up to 2 weeks). This can lead to the mistaken view that the influenza vaccine has caused the infection. Other viruses can also be mistaken for influenza.

Yes, it’s still possible to get influenza after being vaccinated. However, the vaccine significantly lowers your risk of severe illness, pneumonia, or hospitalisation.

Influenza vaccines are updated each year to match the most common circulating strains. Their effectiveness can vary depending on factors like your age, overall health, and how closely the vaccine matches the virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that spreads through close contact and respiratory droplets. It causes respiratory infections ranging from mild cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever to severe illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

RSV is most serious in infants, especially those under 6 months old or with health conditions. In Australia, it is the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants.

For more information on RSV, visit the Department of Health's RSV page or speak with your healthcare provider.

RSV is spread in respiratory secretions by:

• Contact with infected surfaces, and then transferred into the eyes or respiratory tract
• Inhaling virus particles via aerosols

Viral shedding typically occurs for 7–10 days, but can continue for up to 30 days.

• In infants: apnoea and worsening oxygen levels.
• In later childhood: recurrent wheezing following RSV bronchiolitis in infancy.
• At all ages: severe lower respiratory tract infections that may require ICU admission and mechanical ventilation.
• Death is rare in healthy individuals but can occur in vulnerable groups.
  - Young infants.
  - Frail older adults.
  - Severely immunocompromised people (e.g., stem cell transplant recipients, with mortality rates up to 33%).

Infants and young children:

• Premature birth.
• Chronic heart or lung conditions.
• Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy).
• Immunocompromising conditions.
• Down syndrome.
• Some otherwise healthy infants may also develop severe disease and require hospitalisation.

Adults:

• Older adults (especially 75+ years).
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60+.
• Adults with chronic conditions such as:
  - Diabetes.
  - Chronic kidney or liver disease.
  - Neurological disorders.
  - Obesity.

While RSV infections can’t be fully prevented, there are ways to reduce the risk and protect those most vulnerable:

• Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns from birth to 6 months of age.
  - In Victoria, a complimentary infant RSV immunisation program to protect infants most at risk from severe RSV disease is available from 1 April to 30 September 2025.
  - A catch-up program is also available for those aged under 24 months who are vulnerable to severe RSV entering their second RSV season. 
• Older adults (75+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 60+) and those with certain medical conditions may also benefit from vaccination.
• Monoclonal antibody treatments are available for some infants at higher risk of severe illness.
• Good hygiene helps reduce the spread. This includes washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoiding sharing cups or utensils, and staying home when feeling unwell.

• Teach children good hygiene habits to help stop the spread.

RSV vaccination is recommended for:

• pregnant women to protect their newborn infant.
• all people aged ≥75 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥60 years.
• people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged ≥60 years.

RSV monoclonal antibodies are recommended for:

• young infants whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccine in pregnancy, or who were vaccinated less than 2 weeks before delivery.
• young infants who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, regardless of their mother’s vaccination status.
• children who have medical risk factors for severe RSV disease in their 2nd RSV season.

Non-Indigenous adults aged 60–74 years who do not have a medical risk factor for severe RSV disease may also consider vaccination. There are benefits of vaccination in this age group, but the benefits may be less than for those aged ≥75 years, because of a comparatively lower risk of severe RSV disease.

Most children are infected with RSV by the age of two. RSV places a significant burden on both hospital and community healthcare services and is a leading cause of hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in infants under 12 months. While many hospitalised infants are otherwise healthy, those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.

RSV also causes serious respiratory illness and hospitalisation in older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and people with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe disease.

• Older adults should receive one dose of RSV vaccine before the RSV season, though it can be given at any time of year.
• Pregnant women are recommended to get vaccinated between 28 and 36 weeks, ideally at least two weeks before birth to protect their baby.
• Infants may receive monoclonal antibodies before their first RSV season if their mother was not vaccinated in time or if they have risk factors. Children with medical conditions may also need protection before their second season.

You can get vaccinated at your local doctor’s clinic, pharmacy, or other health service if they offer RSV vaccination. Not all providers will offer the free maternal RSV vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), so it’s important to check with your health professional or service to find out:

• If they provide the RSV vaccine (including the NIP-funded maternal vaccine).
• When you can book your appointment.
• Whether there is a consultation or service fee.

Alternatively, you can use the Healthdirect Service Finder to locate a nearby clinic or pharmacy, then contact them to confirm vaccine availability, eligibility, and any costs before booking for yourself, your child, or someone else.

Yes, the RSV vaccine is free for the following groups in Australia under the NIP:

• As of 3 February 2025, the RSV vaccine Abrysvo is free for pregnant women under the National NIP. In addition, in 2025, state and territory programs are providing free access to the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for infants who are not protected through maternal vaccination and for those at higher risk of severe illness.

RSV immunisation products are not free for other population groups but can be accessed privately. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.

You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most reactions are mild and only last a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Common side effects of RSV vaccines include:

• Pain and redness at the injection site.
• Fatigue.
• Headache. 
• Muscle pains. 

Talk to your health professional about possible side effects of the RSV vaccines, or if you have side effects that worry you.

The Consumer Medicine Information available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website lists the ingredients and side effects of each vaccine.

Learn more about the possible side effects of vaccination.

COVID-19 is a serious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and remains a leading cause of death and hospitalisation in Australia. It typically causes symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, breathing difficulties, fever, and fatigue.

Those at higher risk of severe illness include older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and the unvaccinated. Protection includes staying up to date with vaccinations, using masks in high-risk settings, ensuring good ventilation, testing early, and accessing antivirals when needed.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 page or speak with your healthcare provider.

SARS-CoV-2 is spread via respiratory droplets or aerosols generated through breathing, talking or coughing. Airborne viral particles may be inhaled, contact mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, or nose, or land on surfaces and cause infection through contact with contaminated surfaces which are transferred to the body

• Can be fatal in severe cases.
• Pneumonia.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Complications affecting other organ systems.
• Potential metabolic, respiratory, immunological, and neurological complications.
• Longer-term health issues (often referred to as "long COVID").

• Older adults, especially those aged 80+, have the highest risk.
  -Risk of death is ~30 times higher in people aged 80 vs. 50, even after vaccination.
• People with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart, lung, kidney disease, immunosuppression).
• Pregnant women, particularly if unvaccinated.
  - Vaccination significantly reduces this risk.

• Use well-fitted face masks; in high-risk settings, additional protective gear like fit-tested N95/P2 respirators is recommended.
• Stay current with COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
• Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors, using heating/cooling systems, or portable HEPA filters.
• Test people with symptoms and close contacts to guide isolation measures.
• Isolate individuals with symptoms until they fully recover.
• Use antiviral treatments for those at high risk of severe illness.
• Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Maintain physical distancing and hold gatherings outdoors when possible. 

• Primary course vaccination is recommended for all people aged 18 years and older, and for children aged 6 months to less than 17 years with medical conditions that may increase their risk of severe disease or death from COVID-19. 
• Most people require 1 dose for their primary course. People with severe immunocompromise are recommended 2 primary doses and can consider a 3^rd. 
• Further doses every 6 or 12 months may be recommended based on an individual’s age and presence of risk factors for severe disease. 

COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally and continues to pose a serious health risk, especially for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines remains an essential part of protecting yourself and the community from ongoing transmission and complications.

Primary COVID-19 Vaccination

The primary course is your first COVID-19 vaccination.

• Most people need 1 dose; those at high risk may need 2 or 3 doses.
• Children under 5 are generally not eligible, except with risk factors or severe immunocompromise.
• 5–17 years: 1 dose if at risk; 2–3 doses if severely immunocompromised.
• 18+ years: 1 dose; 2–3 if severely immunocompromised.

COVID-19 Booster Recommendations

Boosters help maintain protection against severe illness and are especially important for those 65+ or at high risk.

• Without severe immunocompromise:
  - <18 years: Not recommended.
  - 18–64 years: Every 12 months.
  - 65–74 years: Every 12 months (eligible every 6 months).
  - 75+ years: Every 6 months.

• With severe immunocompromise:
  - <5 years: Not recommended.
  - 5–17 years: Every 12 months.
  - 18–74 years: Every 12 months (eligible every 6 months).
  - 75+ years: Every 6 months.

Speak with your healthcare provider to confirm your eligibility and how many doses are recommended for you.

You can get vaccinated at your local doctor’s clinic or pharmacy if they offer COVID-19 vaccination and confirm your eligibility and any associated fees.

Alternatively, use the Healthdirect Service Finder to find a nearby clinic or pharmacy. You can contact them to check if the vaccine is available, confirm your eligibility, and ask about any costs before booking an appointment for yourself, your child, or someone else.

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia. This includes people without a Medicare card. The Australian Government has committed to providing free COVID-19 vaccination to all individuals to ensure broad community protection.

The most frequently reported side effects include injection-site reactions, such a sore arm. Other reported side effects include:

• Headache.
• Muscle pain.
• Fever and chills.
• Fatigue.

These side effects typically last no more than a couple of days, and you will recover without any problems. Visit healthdirect for more information about side effects.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even if you’ve had COVID-19 before. Having both vaccination and past infection gives stronger protection.

You can still have other vaccines, like the flu shot, after recovering from COVID-19, but wait until you’re feeling well before getting vaccinated.

COVID-19 and flu have similar symptoms but are caused by different viruses.

The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against flu, and the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.

To stay protected, you should get both vaccines based on your age and health needs.

COVID-19 antiviral medicines help prevent severe illness and hospitalisation but don’t replace vaccination, which remains the best protection. Most people recover safely at home without antivirals.

Those eligible for COVID-19 antivirals include people who:

• Are 70 years or older.
• Are 50+ with at least one risk factor for severe disease.
• Are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 30+ with one risk factor.
• Have a weakened immune system and are 18+.
• Have been previously hospitalised due to COVID-19 and are 18+.

For more details on COVID-19 antiviral, check the Better Health channel. 

Long COVID is a condition where symptoms persist or reappear after a COVID-19 infection, even in those who had mild or no symptoms initially. It can affect multiple organs and last 12 months or more.
You're more likely to develop long COVID if you:

• Are aged 35–69.
• Are female.
• Smoke.
• Are unvaccinated.
• Have chronic conditions or obesity.
• Were hospitalised with COVID-19.

Have had COVID-19 more than once.

Symptoms vary but may include:

• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Loss or change in smell or taste.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Anxiety or depression.
• Headache.
• Brain fog or trouble concentrating.

Long COVID can also lead to serious complications such as:

• Heart attacks, strokes, or heart inflammation.
• Blood clots.
• Diabetes or worsened control of existing diabetes.
• Lung damage (fibrosis).
• Kidney problems.
• Severe mental health conditions.

No. Long COVID is not infectious, even if symptoms persist.

If symptoms last more than 4 weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis, see a GP. They may order tests or refer you to a specialist.
There’s no single treatment - care focuses on managing individual symptoms. Most people improve over time, with symptoms often resolving within 12 months.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces.
• Meet others in well-ventilated areas.
• If eligible, take antiviral medicine early after testing positive.

Call 000 for an ambulance if you have severe symptoms, such as: 
difficulty breathing, or blue lips or face 
pain or pressure in your chest 
cold and clammy skin, or pale and mottled skin 
fainting or collapsing 
being confused or having difficultly waking up 
little or no urine (wee) 
coughing up blood