For the latest COVID information Click Here.
Updated 23rd August 2024
How to manage respiratory infections including Influenza, COVID-19 and common respiratory viruses: Information for rheumatic disease patients
The Australian Rheumatology Association seeks to support patients by providing evidence-based and updated information for the management of common respiratory illness, including influenza, COVID-19 and other common respiratory viruses. All information provided here is done so in good faith and is believed to be correct and accurate at the time of publication. Every reasonable effort is made to update this page as new or updated information becomes available.
Respiratory infections can be spread via respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze. They can also be spread by touching a surface or an object that droplets have landed on from an infected person. It can be spread before, after or whilst a person is unwell.
Influenza (flu) is highly infectious. 2 main viruses cause flu, Influenza A and B. Flu can be more serious than a cold and severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia. People can die from flu. Flu can occur throughout the year, but it is most common in Autumn and Winter.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms may last for more than a week. Some people may have a very mild illness (those who have some immunity from a previous infection or those who have been vaccinated), whilst others may become very unwell. Those particularly at high risk of flu, include the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those who are immunocompromised (those with a weaker immune system).
Diagnosis and treatment Flu is diagnosed with a PCR (nose and throat) swab. If you become unwell, and you suspect you may have flu, it is important to speak with your GP to see if you should be tested. Antivirals may be offered to patients with severe disease and to people at higher risk of severe disease from influenza. Antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Get vaccinated You should talk to your GP and rheumatologist about receiving a flu vaccine. A flu vaccine will not give you the flu, nor will it prevent you from catching flu, but it will prevent severe disease or complications from developing, particularly if you are at high risk. Anyone over the age of 6 months can be vaccinated against flu.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms that can be managed at home and will recover in a few days. Some people have no symptoms at all. If you test positive on a RAT/ PCR test you may be eligible for antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and you should contact your doctor.
Those eligible for treatment include:
Risk factors include:
ARA COVID information resources • COVID Vaccination information leaflet for patients
Further resources • If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call the Healthdirect Australia helpline on 1800 022 222.
Respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), rhinovirus etc.) cause illnesses that affect the nose, throat and breathing passages including the lungs. These viruses commonly result in mild cold or flu-like symptoms in most people, except in those with risk factors, the elderly and the very young.
Most symptoms, including runny nose, cough, headache, fevers are mild and short lived. Rarely these viruses can cause more serious infections including; bronchitis, pneumonia or acute middle ear infections.
The RSV vaccine is available in Australia but is not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program. Contact your GP or rheumatologist if you have any further questions.
Those at increased risk of more severe disease include: