Australia's flu season typically runs from April through September, peaking around August. Each year, influenza affects hundreds of thousands of Australians, causing significant illness and, in severe cases, hospitalisation or death. Preparation is key to protecting your family, recognising symptoms early, and responding appropriately when illness strikes.
This guide covers everything Australian families need to know about preparing for and managing flu season, with particular emphasis on the role of temperature monitoring in detecting and tracking illness.
Understanding Australian Flu Season
Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, Australia experiences flu season during our winter months. This timing means:
- April-May: Flu cases begin to increase
- June-August: Peak flu activity
- September-October: Cases typically decline
However, seasonal patterns can vary, and occasional off-season outbreaks do occur. The 2024 and 2025 seasons have shown particularly early starts, emphasising the importance of year-round preparedness.
In a typical year, influenza causes approximately 3,000 deaths in Australia and results in over 18,000 hospitalisations. Children under 5 and adults over 65 are most vulnerable to severe outcomes.
Pre-Season Preparation Checklist
Get Vaccinated
Annual flu vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure:
- Best timing: April to mid-May (before peak season)
- Who should get it: Everyone over 6 months of age
- Free vaccines: Available under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, children 6 months to 5 years, people over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with chronic conditions
- Effect: Takes about 2 weeks to develop full protection
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
Before flu season hits, ensure you have:
- Reliable thermometer: Check batteries and test accuracy
- Fever-reducing medications: Age-appropriate paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
- Oral rehydration solutions: Especially important for children
- Tissues and hand sanitiser: Reduce transmission
- Disposable masks: Useful for isolating sick family members
Know Your Healthcare Options
Before illness strikes, know:
- Your GP's flu season protocols (many offer telehealth)
- After-hours medical services in your area
- Nearest hospital emergency department
- Healthdirect phone number (1800 022 222)
Key Takeaway
Preparation is best done before you need it. When a family member falls ill, you'll be glad you stocked up on supplies and know exactly where to turn for help.
Recognising Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and are more severe than common cold symptoms:
Classic Flu Symptoms
- Fever: Usually 38°C or above, often 39-40°C
- Body aches: Muscle pain, particularly in back and legs
- Headache: Often severe
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness
- Chills and sweats: Despite high fever
- Dry cough: Often persistent
- Sore throat: Common but not always present
Flu vs. Cold: Key Differences
- Onset: Flu is sudden; colds develop gradually
- Fever: Common with flu (38-40°C); rare with colds
- Body aches: Severe with flu; mild with colds
- Fatigue: Extreme with flu; mild with colds
- Runny nose: Less common with flu; hallmark of colds
The Role of Temperature Monitoring
Fever is one of the most reliable indicators of flu and helps distinguish it from milder illnesses. Here's how to use temperature monitoring effectively during flu season:
When to Monitor
- At the first sign of illness symptoms
- If someone reports feeling unwell or "hot"
- Before giving fever-reducing medication (to track true temperature)
- Every 4-6 hours during active illness
- Before returning to school or work (to confirm fever has resolved)
What to Record
- Time and date of each reading
- Temperature and measurement method
- Medications given and when
- Other symptoms present
- Fluid intake and appetite
If you're tracking fever to monitor illness progression, note that paracetamol and ibuprofen typically reduce fever for 4-6 hours. To get an accurate picture of fever severity, check temperature before the next dose is due.
Managing Flu at Home
Rest and Recovery
- Stay home from work, school, or childcare
- Rest in bed as much as possible
- Expect recovery to take 1-2 weeks (longer for elderly)
- Don't rush return to normal activities
Hydration is Critical
Fever increases fluid loss through sweating. Ensure adequate intake of:
- Water
- Clear broths or soup
- Oral rehydration solutions (especially for children)
- Diluted fruit juices
- Ice blocks for children who won't drink
Fever Management
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed for comfort
- Never give aspirin to children (risk of Reye's syndrome)
- Dress lightly and avoid excessive blankets
- Keep room temperature comfortable (not cold)
- Avoid cold baths or sponging (can cause shivering)
Isolation Within the Home
- Keep the sick person in a separate room if possible
- Designate one family member as caregiver
- Use separate bathroom if available
- Wash hands frequently
- Clean frequently touched surfaces daily
When Flu Requires Medical Attention
Most healthy people recover from flu with home care, but seek medical attention if:
High-Risk Individuals
Contact your doctor early if the sick person is:
- Under 5 years old (especially under 2)
- Over 65 years old
- Pregnant or recently postpartum
- Living with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Immunocompromised
Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Care
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or altered consciousness
- Persistent vomiting
- Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
- High fever that doesn't respond to medication
Prescription antiviral medications (like Tamiflu) can reduce flu severity and duration if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. If you're in a high-risk group, contact your doctor promptly when symptoms begin.
Preventing Transmission in Your Household
When one family member has flu, protect others by:
- Hand hygiene: Wash with soap for 20 seconds, especially after caring for the sick person
- Respiratory etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with elbow, not hands
- Avoid sharing: Use separate towels, utensils, and drinking glasses
- Surface cleaning: Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and other touched surfaces
- Ventilation: Open windows when weather permits
- Monitor others: Watch household members for symptom development
Returning to Normal Activities
People with flu should stay home until:
- Fever has been gone for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication)
- Energy levels are returning
- Respiratory symptoms are improving
Most workplaces and schools require at least 24 hours fever-free before return. Even then, recovery may take another week or more before feeling completely normal.
Building Long-Term Immunity
Beyond annual vaccination, support your family's immune health year-round:
- Adequate sleep: Essential for immune function
- Balanced nutrition: Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Regular physical activity: Moderate exercise supports immunity
- Stress management: Chronic stress impairs immune response
- No smoking: Smoking increases respiratory infection risk
Flu season doesn't have to catch your family off guard. With proper preparation, early recognition, and appropriate response, you can minimise the impact of influenza on your household.