Influenza (the flu) is much more debilitating than a ‘common cold’ and can have serious health consequences.

To reduce the risk of you or your family catching the flu, there are some simple measures you can take.

Flu vaccination

• The influenza vaccine helps protect against influenza. Each year a new flu vaccine is made available in the autumn to cover the most common flu strains expected to be circulating for that season.
• The 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine covers three influenza strains, again including protection against the ‘swine flu’ (A/H1N1 pandemic influenza).
• The 2011 flu vaccine is available free for some groups (eg, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, and people aged over 65 years), until 31 July.
• Eligibility for free flu vaccine has been extended for the 2011 season to those under 18 years old living in Canterbury (free until 31 July 2011). 
• Other people can still have the vaccine but there will be a small charge for this.

For more information, see our topic on Influenza vaccination and visit www.fightflu.co.nz

Hygiene measures

• Wash your hands often, preferably with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then dry them, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Wash your hands, eg, before preparing food or eating, after going to the toilet, after tending to sick people
• Wash your hands after returning from the supermarket or communal areas like malls.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, after wiping children’s noses, or if you have handled soiled tissues.
• Try not to touch your nose, mouth, ears or eyes unnecessarily, as the flu virus can enter the body through these areas.
• Clean surfaces around the house regularly, eg, door handles, telephone, bathroom surfaces – more often if someone in the household has symptoms.
• Don’t share glasses, drink bottles or cutlery, and wash dishes thoroughly.
• Try to ‘contain’ a sneeze or cough by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue.
• Disposable tissues should be also used for blowing the nose.
• Used tissues should be disposed of straightaway in a plastic bag or lined bin with a lid (preferably one you don’t need to touch, such as a pedal bin).

Keep your distance

• If someone has symptoms such as sneezing and coughing, try to keep one metre (or more) away from them.
• If you, a child or family member is unwell with suspected flu, try to prevent the spread by keeping them at home – and away from any visitors.
• Try to keep other members of the household separate from an unwell family member, eg, have them sleep in a separate room if possible.

Phone for advice

• If you need medical assistance or advice, phone your doctor’s rooms first and explain your symptoms, rather than just turning up at the surgery, as you could spread the flu.
• You can also phone the free 24-hour Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice for yourself or a family member.

More information about the flu

For more information about influenza and caring for someone with influenza, see our topics on Influenza and Influenza care

Compiled by everybody, April 2010. Updated 2011.