Information for people with chronic underlying illness
Most people who get influenza - including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza - have a mild illness and do not need medical treatment or to see a doctor. Those at risk of severe illness include people with any of the chronic (long-term) underlying conditions listed below.
Despite people with chronic illness being at higher risk, most people with chronic illness will have mild symptoms from flu and recover within a week. This is especially so if they seek medical care early if they develop a fever AND cough and/or sore throat.
Seek medical care early
If you have a chronic illness and get sick with flu symptoms, you may be offered antivirals to help you get better quickly. Antivirals must be started within 48 hours of the start of illness for them to work properly, and the sooner they are started, the better.
Phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC). You will be put through to a Registered Nurse who will
assess you over the phone and advise what to do and where to go for face-to-face assessment if necessary. Alternatively, phone your doctor. If you cannot get an appointment within 24 hours, phone 1800 358 362.
People at higher risk of severe illness from influenza in 2009
- People with breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma severe enough to need daily preventative medication
- People who are very obese
- Pregnant women, especially in the middle and later months of pregnancy
- Indigenous Australians - because many Indigenous Australians have underlying health problems
- People with diabetes
- People with heart disease
- People with liver disease
- People with kidney disease – special precautions are needed for use of antivirals for people with kidney disease
- People with weakened immune system (because of cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS or
medications) - People with underlying neurological conditions
- People with metabolic disease
- People with haemoglobinopathies.
Download this information
- Information for people with chronic illness
(PDF, 162.1 kb)
Related documents
- Protect yourself from the flu (PDF, 598.7 kb)
- What to do if you think you have flu (PDF, 237.5 kb)
- What to do if you're exposed to flu (PDF, 367.2 kb)
More fact sheets, posters and other documents are available in the resources section of the site.
