The flu (influenza) is not the same as a common cold. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upsets. It can keep you in bed for a week or more.
Flu is usually spread by coughing and sneezing and is most common during winter.
The flu can make you very sick even if you are usually fit and healthy. Your tamariki can get very unwell with it too. You could also spread it to vulnerable people including:
The flu virus changes often. This means the vaccine has to be tweaked each year to match the new strains of the disease. Getting a flu vaccine every year means you have the best protection.
Flu vaccines are available from your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider. Everyone over 3 years old can get a flu vaccine at many pharmacies.
Find out more at immunise.health.nz()
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