Flu symptoms
Flu symptoms usually start suddenly and appear one to four days after you have caught the viral infection. They commonly include:
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Vomiting: Rare in adults but common in children. Children also sometimes experience diarrhoea
Who is at risk of severe flu?
Certain groups are at greater risk of serious illness and hospitalisation from the flu and should see a doctor if they experience flu symptoms. These include babies, people who are pregnant, older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who are immunocompromised and people who smoke. Other people at increased risk include those who have not been vaccinated against the flu.
In addition, people with the following medical conditions should see a doctor if they have flu symptoms:
- Heart disease
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Chromosomal abnormality
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic neurological conditions
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Blood diseases
- Metabolic disorders
- Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 6 months to 10 years
- Harmful use of alcohol
Warning signs of severe flu
Even if you are young and healthy and not in any of the risk groups listed above, you should see a doctor promptly if you have flu symptoms and you are worried or if you:
- Are concerned about your symptoms
- Have a high fever (over 38oC)
- Have a cough that isn’t improving
- Are in a high-risk group
Flu can sometimes lead to complications
The symptoms of influenza are not just limited to the infection itself. Sometimes a case of the flu can lead to complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- Sinus and ear infections
- Heart and other organ damage
- Brain inflammation and brain damage
- Death
Ask for advice
Talk to your GP or pharmacist about flu vaccines and how you can protect yourself against the flu.