Infuenza Specialist Group

• Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.¹
• In Australia, influenza on average causes 1,500 deaths,¹ about 18,000 hospitalisations and 300,000 GP consultations² each year.
• Influenza is caused by a virus and causes more severe illness than the common cold. It can cause serious and debilitating complications, including pneumonia, especially in people that are vulnerable such as the elderly and other in the "at risk" group.
• People with a chronic disease have a 40 times increased risk of death from influenza.¹
• Annual vaccination is the single most effective measure to prevent influenza.
• Only 42 per cent of the "at risk" group under 65 years of age are being vaccinated annually.³
• Less than 50 per cent of healthcare workers, who are at a greater risk of contracting and spreading influenza, are being vaccinated against influenza annually.¹
• 10 per cent of all workplace absenteeism associated with illness is due to influenza.¹

References

1. National Institute of Clinical Studies Influenza. Flu Facts. Found at: http://www.fightflu.com.au/asp/index.asp?sid=2118&page=influenza

3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.  2004 Adult vaccination survey http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/avssr04/avssr04.pdf

Content Updated ( Monday, 26 November 2007 )