The flu and Covid-19 are both a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Besides health, Covid-19 has cost the Australian economy billions through business lockdowns. Similarly, it has been estimated that annually the flu costs Australian businesses $2 billion dollars due to absenteeism and loss of productivity. However, these viruses can both be prevented through vaccination.

To prevent the negative impacts of Covid-19 and flu on employee productivity and health, it is important for businesses to encourage their employees to get vaccinated and to provide them with information. In Australia, people are able to access effective annual flu vaccines and now for those eligible Covid-19 vaccines.

Below we describe the difference in symptoms between these viruses; available vaccines and their benefits; and who should receive them. Equipped with these details, you will be better informed to help safeguard your employees’ health and wellbeing – as well as your business’ productivity.

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The flu and the flu vaccine

The flu is caused by a number of different subtypes of the influenza virus. It is spread among people and is commonly responsible for a number of symptoms that include:

However, in some cases the flu can result in very serious complications of the lungs, heart and brain that can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. In Australia, all approved flu vaccines protect against 4 strains of the flu virus – two A strains and two B strains. None of the vaccines available in Australia have live virus, so they can’t cause people to get the flu!

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