Influenza (flu)

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses, which can be classified as type A, B, or C. Influenza is different from the common cold in that it causes a more severe illness, with fever, headache, significant fatigue and muscle aches. It is less likely to cause sneezing or a ’blocked nose’ with thick nasal discharge.

For more information, see Influenza. 

Flu vaccination

Flu vaccines are products given to people so that their immune systems are better able to recognise flu (influenza) infection, and therefore has a better chance of fighting it off. Flu vaccines work by exposing the immune system to tiny amounts of the inactivated flu virus, causing it to produce flu-fighting antibodies.

For more information, see Influenza Vaccination.   

More information

For more information on the common cold, influenza, types of influenza and treatments and tips for preventing influenza, see Cold and Flu.