Chief Medical Officer urges Australians to take preventive action ahead of winter flu season

National public health information and advice service, Healthdirect is urging Australians to prepare for the colder months ahead of concerns around rising case numbers for both influenza (‘the ‘Flu’) and COVID-19 and the potential to have both viruses at the same time.

Healthdirect Chief Medical Officer said: “We haven’t experienced a typical flu season for the past two years because most of the country was in lockdown and being diligent with preventive behaviours that minimise the spread of viruses in the community.

“This year, many of us are planning to kick off the cooler months with family gatherings and travel for Easter, school holidays and Anzac Day. This provides more opportunities for the spread of both flu and COVID-19 viruses. And worryingly, some people can have both viruses at the same time, or one after the other,” says Dr Luckraj.

Fever, cough, runny nose, temperature, headaches, are common symptoms shared between COVID-19 and the Flu.

“So, it’s important to prepare and protect those around you from the Flu as well as COVID-19 this winter. One of the best ways to protect yourself and others from becoming sick, is to be vaccinated.”

Australians can receive the flu shot and Covid-19 vaccination booster at the same time. While the COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are free for all Australians, free flu vaccines are provided to those who are at higher risk of complications from flu.

To stay healthy and avoid getting either COVID-19 or the Flu this winter, Healthdirect advises to follow the usual rules of COVID-19 as they will also help limit the spread of the Flu. These include: keeping good hand hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, regularly cleaning surfaces, avoiding touching your face, practising social distancing and wearing your mask when in crowded situations.

If you are sick, and you’re not sure what to do, Healthdirect advises the following:

• Isolate yourself at home and take a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test for COVID-19 to determine if this is what you might have.
• If you return a positive result, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 for information and assistance on next steps.
• Regardless of your test result, if you feel unwell or are worried about your symptoms you can use the Healthdirect symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and next steps.

There are a range of treatments that can be administered at home to help relieve symptoms including:

• Rest is important.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relive pain and low fevers.
• Stay hydrated by drinking regular sips of water, including drinks containing electrolytes if possible.
• Use throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat.

For more information on treating your symptoms and on when to seek medical help, visit healthdirect.gov.au.

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