Influenza (the flu)
Fact sheet2 - Health conditions directory.
Influenza or 'the flu' is a highly contagious disease caused by infection from the influenza virus. There are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D.
These viruses infect the upper airways and lungs. Influenza is highly contagious and occurs year-round, but infection rates tend to increase during the cooler months. Flu season in Queensland is typically from June to September, with the peak usually in August. The flu is not the same as a common cold and can be a serious illness, however most people recover without treatment. There are a number of population groups for which influenza is more likely to cause severe disease. These include:
- the very young – infants and children aged 0-4 years, but especially those younger than 2
- the elderly – adults aged 65 years and older
- those who are immunocompromised
- those with chronic disease (e.g.asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- pregnant people
- First Nations people
Influenza is transmitted by droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. Risk of infection is best managed with yearly vaccination, and using good hand and respiratory hygiene. Occasionally there have been worldwide outbreaks of influenza – Pandemic Influenza, which have occurred with the global spread of a new type of flu virus. Greater protection against influenza infection is observed in people who receive yearly influenza vaccination compared with those who did not receive any influenza vaccination.
Influenza and COVID-19
Influenza and COVID-19 are distinct illnesses and while they have similarities, they are caused by different viruses. There are separate vaccines available to protect individuals against influenza and COVID-19. The influenza vaccine can be co-administered (i.e. on the same day) with the COVID-19 vaccines. For further information please visit Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)3
Whilst the influenza vaccine will not prevent coronavirus infection it can reduce the severity and spread of influenza, which may make a person more susceptible to other respiratory illnesses like coronavirus.
For more details regarding vaccines that protect against COVID-19 please visit the Australian Government Department of Health's website4
Public health management guidelines
Notification
Pathology laboratories
- Notification criteria for pathology laboratories6 (PDF, 55kB)
Notification resources
- List of all Pathological, clinical and provisional diagnosis notifiable conditions7
- List of Public Health Unit8 contacts
- Notifiable conditions report form for Queensland doctors/clinicians (PHA S70) or person in charge of a Hospital (PHA S71)9 (PDF, 77kB) - if faxing notification, follow up by phone.
Enhanced surveillance for public health units
- Case report form10 (PDF, 504kB) - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.
- Institutional outbreak respiratory outbreak summary form11 (PDF, 402kB) – used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.
Resources for health professionals
Immunisation
Queensland Health influenza vaccination resources:
- Queensland Health 2024 Influenza vaccination advice | Queensland Health12
- 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program | Queensland Health12
The online version of the Australian Immunisation Handbook13 provides up to date clinical guidelines for health professionals on the safest and most effective use of vaccines in their practice. Always use the online version to ensure you have the most current information.
Related information
- Influenza14 – Queensland Health website for health professionals.
- Resources for the residential aged care industry15 - resources for people working within residential aged care facilities in Queensland.