Winter Planning Toolkit modules

Module 3: Testing

Influenza

Module 3: Testing
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Last revised: 05 Jun 2023

Influenza

Influenza illness is caused by the influenza virus. It is a contagious respiratory virus that may infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal.  The best way to prevent influenza infection is by getting an annual flu vaccine with the benefit that even if infection does occur, the risk of pneumonia is significantly lower.

The flu can be diagnosed by:

  • checking for sign and symptoms and/or;
  • asking if the patient has been in contact with someone who has the flu and/or;
  • swabbing the patient’s nose or throat to test for the virus.

Laboratory confirmed influenza is a notifiable disease in Australia and must be reported via your state or territory’s reporting mechanism.

This event attracts CPD points and can be self recorded

Did you know you can now log your CPD with a click of a button?

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