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​​​​Influenza (also known as 'flu') is a highly contagious illness caused by the influenza virus.

There are simple things you can do to protect yourself and your mob from flu.

Get a free flu vaccine

The best way to avoid flu this winter is to get a flu vaccine. Free flu vaccines are available for all Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over. This is because Aboriginal people are at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. .

Flu vaccines are especially important for pregnant women and can help protect the baby for the first few months of life.

Book an appointment for a free flu vaccine today with your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service. Pharmacists can administer the flu vaccine to children aged 5 and over. Parents with children aged under 5 years should see their doctor.

Let your doctor or nurse know you identify as an Aboriginal person when you ask about your free flu vaccine​​​​​.

Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or Aboriginal Medical Service if this applies to you.

Practice healthy hygiene

To protect yourself and others from flu:

• Stay at home if you're sick with cold and flu symptoms. If you need to leave home when you are sick, wear a mask and avoid contact with people at higher risk of severe illness.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Wear a mask if you are unable to stay away from other people in crowded indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and wash for 20 seconds. When you can't wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces particularly when people are sick.

More information

• Influenza fact sheet
• Immunisation
• Respiratory illness resources