The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious infection that affects the lungs. Learn about its signs and symptoms and how getting vaccinated prevents it from spreading. Translations are given in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Dari, Dinka, French, Japanese, Karen, Khmer (Cambodian), Samoan, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog (Filipino), Thai and Vietnamese.
What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is highly contagious and can have serious health impacts.
Influenza is very serious. It can result in people being hospitalised, especially young kids under 5 years, people over 65 years, pregnant women and those who have diabetes, lung or heart disease.
The type of influenza virus that spreads every year is different. Because of this, experts need to change the vaccine every time to make sure it gives your body the right kind of protection. This is why it’s very important for you to get the flu vaccination every year.
Babies (Infants) and children less than 5 years of age have a higher risk of contracting and having complications from the flu. Even healthy children can get very sick from the flu. Vaccinations for children in this age group are FREE.
You can lessen your chances of getting sick with influenza if you get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It helps you to fight the virus and helps stop it from spreading to other people. If you do get infected with influenza, being vaccinated can help protect you from getting very sick.
Treatment
Self-care measures can help to manage symptoms of the flu, these include:
–> Taking lots of rest
–> Drinking plenty of water
–> Taking pain medicines to help lessen your symptoms.
If you are at high risk of getting very sick, your doctor may be able to give you an antiviral medicine, please talk to your doctor if you are unwell.
Multilingual resources
Chinese (Simplified) – What is influenza?
Khmer (Cambodian) – What is influenza?
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