Attendance Report
ATTENDANCE
There have been a lot of absences being reported as ‘cold and flu’. The common cold is very different to the flu (Influenza). Please read the factual information below from:
* HealthDirect (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu)
What is the flu?
Influenza is a very contagious viral infection. It’s a respiratory illness that can affect your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs.
There are 2 main types of influenza viruses:
influenza type A
influenza type B
Most people who have the flu are infected with the influenza type A virus. There are also many sub-types and strains.
Influenza infections are more serious than the common cold. They can cause major outbreaks and severe disease.
The flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia.
When is the flu season?
Influenza infections are generally most common from June to September. There is often more than one strain of influenza in the community at this time.
Flu season is also the time of year when you are more likely to stay indoors and be in close contact with other people. This makes it easier for the virus to pass between people.
You should get your annual flu vaccine anytime from April onwards. Each year the vaccine is made to match the most common strains of flu.
What causes the flu?
There are 4 types of influenza virus:
influenza A virus
influenza B virus
influenza C virus
influenza D virus
Influenza types A and B are usually the cause of seasonal flu.
Influenza C virus infections generally cause mild illness and are not thought to cause human epidemics.
Influenza D viruses mainly affect cows. They are not known to cause illness in people.
Some strains of the influenza virus can also infect other animals. Animal influenza viruses are distinct from human seasonal influenza viruses and do not easily pass between people.
How is influenza spread?
Influenza is spread through droplets from your nose or throat. This can be from coughing and sneezing.
These droplets can be breathed in by someone else who may then get the flu.
The droplets can also land on surfaces. Anyone who touches these surfaces and then touches their nose or mouth can also catch the flu.
How is the flu diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, including listening to your chest using a stethoscope.
To confirm a diagnosis of influenza, your doctor will arrange a flu test.
This involves taking a sample of cells and mucus from your nose or throat using a sterile cotton swab. This sample is then sent to a pathology laboratory for testing using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A PCR test can find the genetic material of the virus or bacteria causing your symptoms.
EVERY DAY COUNTS!
Miss Dearing
(Attendance Officer)