How to avoid catching flu this season

It takes about two weeks before the vaccine is effective, however it should provide protection for three to four months, covering you for the rest of the season.

Wear a mask

If you regularly find yourself in crowded environments, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing of at least one metre will reduce your chances of infection. Flu infection rates in Australia fell during the COVID pandemic in Australia as most people stayed home and wore masks in public.

If it’s impractical to wear a mask at work, consider wearing one on public transport. Disinfecting your hands with sanitiser once you’ve left the bus or train is also a good idea.

“Maintaining a one-metre distance from each other is advisable if you can,” Dr Gupta says. “Using crowded public transport or going into a crowded building increases your chances of infection.”

Wherever possible, choose open areas including outdoor environments to reduce your exposure.

“We encourage people to choose well-ventilated spaces. If you can be outside, that’s even better.”

You’re sick, what now?

Dr Gupta’s advice is simple: stay home.

“If you have the ability to work from home, you should do so,” she says. “Don’t visit people who are in hospital or at high risk if you are sick.”

While antivirals are recommended for at-risk groups, for the general population, rest and fluids are still the best pathway to recovery.

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“With vitamin C and fresh vegetables, there is no evidence that [consuming them] will reduce the period of being unwell,” Dr Gupta says. “There are some studies that show for people who are at high risk that antiviral medication can reduce the time of the illness and the symptoms. Other than taking care of yourself – you don’t want to get into a situation where you develop a secondary bacterial infection – the general advice when you are unwell is to stay at home.”

Even if you’re on the mend, she says it pays to be cautious.

“Some people can feel better, but they still have a runny nose. Please still stay at home because you can still spread the infection.”

When should you go to hospital?

Most of the time, flu symptoms do not warrant presenting at hospital. However, if you are not improving, you may need further medical care. If you’re unable to see your GP, phone services such as HealthDirect can put you in touch with a registered nurse who will walk you through your symptoms to help assess whether a hospital visit is appropriate.

The risk with an illness like the flu is its ability to weaken the immune system, making you susceptible to further, sometimes life-threatening, infections.

“Flu can be really severe and there is a spectrum of illness,” Dr Gupta says. “If you feel you are not improving, you are having difficulty breathing or chest pain, go to hospital.”

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