Creating a healthier, better connected Gippsland.

Winter Preparedness for Community

This winter, be prepared for the flu and COVID-19. All the information below, is current for 2023.

COVID-19 is still circulating in Victoria and so is influenza. That’s why it’s so important to do what we can to stay well this winter.

The good news is, getting your flu shot, and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, will help you, and the people around you, stay well. These routine winter vaccinations can protect what’s most important to you.

There are also simple things you can do like staying home if you’re unwell.

What is influenza?

Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious disease, usually prevented by vaccination and treated by managing symptoms.

Spread by body fluids from infected people, the flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. Typical symptoms of flu include fever, sore throat, tiredness and muscle aches. Flu can affect anyone but is especially serious for babies and older people.

Key facts

  • Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever and chills, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat.
  • The flu can be serious for some people, but if you are otherwise fit and healthy you usually don’t need to see a doctor.
  • There is a vaccine available for the flu and it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year.
  • You can treat the symptoms of mild flu by resting and drinking plenty of water. Medicines are available to treat fever and aches.

Managing influenza at home

Most people can manage a cold and the flu at home, just like most cases of COVID-19. But it’s important to be prepared. Find out more here

What are symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of flu may include:

Find out more

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu

COVID boosters

COVID-19 boosters are free for everyone in Australia. Getting your booster is the best way to keep you, your family, friends, and the community safe. Find out more

Managing COVID-19 at home

For information about managing COVID-19 at home, click here.

Symptom Checker

Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to find out if you need to seek medical help. Answer questions about your symptoms to see if you need to seek medical help. Click here.

After-hours medical support

Have you had an unexpected medical issue after-hours? If it’s not an emergency and you don’t need to go to hospital but still require medical advice, there are options available.

Gippsland PHN supports after-hours medical services across Gippsland including two Priority Primary Care Centres in Warragul and Moe. Find other available after-hours options here.

People living in Gippsland can call HealthAccess on 1800 272 767. Health Access provides after-hours support for Gippsland through its telehealth consultation service.

You can also access after-hours medical advice through healthdirect on 1800 022 222 and your Nurse-On-Call is available 24/7 by phoning 1300 60 60 24.

After-hours medical services are available at any time that your regular doctor’s office is closed and you urgently need to speak to a healthcare professional.

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