Aboriginal people and Influenza
Key Messages
Aboriginal people are:
- more likely to get severe flu and chest infections, and
- more likely to have to go to hospital when they get the flu.
When you're sick
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Talk to your doctor about flu treatment.
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Treatment works better if it's started quickly.
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Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
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It's best to use a tissue, handkerchief or even your sleeve
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Wash your hands with soap and running water often
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Especially after you have been coughing or sneezing
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Try to keep your distance from other people until you're better
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Germs spread more easily when you're close to other people.
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Vaccination
- Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all Aboriginal people aged 15 years of age and older.
- Aboriginal people aged 50 years of age or older, and those 15–49 years of age who have underlying conditions placing them at risk of pneumococcal disease should also have the pneumococcal vaccination.
See the NSW Health Immunisation Advice website for more information.
More Information and Resources
- Handwashing poster [PDF, 381KB]
Posters adapted with permission from Queensland Health - Pregnant Women and Influenza Poster [PDF, 1457KB]
Posters adapted with permission from Queensland Health - Factsheet for Aboriginal People
- Handwashing Poster # 2 [PDF, 1348KB]
Posters adapted with permission from South Australia Health - Handwashing Poster # 3 [PDF, 1693KB]
Posters adapted with permission from South Australia Health
Follow the links for information Pandemic influenza and Pandemic planning in Aboriginal Communities.