If you've recently (within the last week) spent time with someone who has flu, there is a chance you may have been infected or ‘caught’ the virus. This might be so even if the person wasn’t sick when you spent time with them. That’s because flu can spread to others a day before symptoms develop and throughout the illness. You won’t know straight away if you have been infected. It can take up to 5 days to get sick after being exposed to the virus.

Most people who get flu - including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza - have a mild illness and do not need medical treatment or to see a doctor. Most people get better within a week after rest at home. Some people can have severe illness.

What to do

1. Find out if you are at high risk of severe illness.
2. Be alert for signs of flu. Key symptoms are fever with a cough and/or sore throat. Flu tends to come on suddenly and make you feel unwell all over. A cold tends to come on slowly (over a few days) and be focussed on the head and throat.
3. If you get sick with flu symptoms:
   • Seek medical care early if you are at high risk of severe illness. Antivirals may be provided to help you get better quickly, but must be started within 48 hours of you getting sick for them to be effective. Phone your doctor or 1800 358 362.
   • Stay at home (except to seek medical care if necessary) for seven days from the start of your illness and until you are fully recovered. This is important to protect others.
   • Stay away from people who are at high risk of severe illness. Wear a surgical mask if you need to be within a large step (1 metre) or someone who is at risk.
   • Seek medical care if you are worried about the severity of your illness. Always phone first and let your health care provider know you think you have flu.
   • Seek urgent medical care if you: have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe or persistent vomiting or a high fever that lasts for more than three days (particularly when accompanied by a general worsening of symptoms); or if you become less alert, confused or have difficulty waking up.
4. Take care to protect those around you, especially anyone who is at high risk of severe illness from flu. Remember, if you have been infected with flu, you could spread it to others even before you realise you are sick.

Follow the five steps:

1. Always cover your cough or sneeze – with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
2. Wash your hands often, with soap or alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Try to keep a large step from others in public, and from anyone at risk of severe illness.
4. Know the signs: fever with a cough and/or sore throat. Seek medical care early if you are at high risk.
5. Stay home if you are sick (except to seek medical care).

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