Facing the Flu: How to Handle Sick Leave During Flu Season

Flu season is here, and with it comes the sniffles, aches, and fevers that many Australians know too well. If you find yourself coming down with the flu, it’s important to know how to take care of your health and manage your sick leave. In this post, we’ll discuss how to recognise flu symptoms (and how they differ from a common cold), why you should stay home when you’re unwell, the best way to notify your employer about your sick leave, and how to get a medical certificate online to cover your time off. We’ll keep it conversational and informative—by the end, you’ll be prepared to face the flu season armed with knowledge and a plan.

Flu season in Australia – Flu (influenza) is a yearly visitor that typically strikes in the cooler months. In most parts of Australia, flu outbreaks happen between late autumn and early spring​. As temperatures drop, cases tend to rise; for example, the 2023 flu season lasted about 29 weeks with nearly 289,000 lab-confirmed cases across Australia​. Influenza isn’t just a bad cold – it’s a serious illness that can even lead to hospitalisations or worse. Health authorities estimate seasonal flu causes up to 51,000 hospitalisations and around 1,000 deaths in Australia each year​. With numbers like these, it’s clear why taking the flu seriously is so important. Let’s look at how to tell if you’ve caught the flu, and what to do if you have.

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Recognising Flu Symptoms vs. the Common Cold

Not every sniffle is the flu. During autumn and winter, you might wonder if you have a simple cold or the more severe influenza. Both are viral respiratory infections, but flu symptoms are usually more intense than cold symptoms. Here’s how to spot the difference:

• Fever and chills: A high fever (around 38–40 °C) that comes on suddenly is common with the flu​. With a common cold, an adult usually doesn’t get a fever or may have only a mild one. If you’re shivering under a blanket with a high temperature, it’s likely the flu rather than a mild cold.
• Body aches and headaches: The flu often causes pronounced muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches, sometimes quite intense​. A cold might give you a slight ache or two, but severe body aches are rare in a regular cold. If your whole body feels like it’s been hit by a truck, that’s a sign of influenza.
• Fatigue: Both colds and flus can make you feel tired, but the exhaustion from flu is usually much more intense and long-lasting​. Flu can wipe you out for a week or more, leaving you couch-bound, whereas a cold generally causes milder tiredness. Sudden, extreme fatigue is a tell-tale flu symptom.
• Sneezing and runny nose: These are common with a cold (along with congestion and sneezing fits), but they’re only sometimes present with the flu and usually less severe. If all you have is a runny nose and sneezing, you might just have a cold. With flu, any nasal symptoms typically come with the other more severe symptoms above.
• Cough and sore throat: A cough can occur with both cold and flu, but a flu cough often starts suddenly and can be more severe​. Sore throat can also appear in both. Look at the overall picture of your symptoms: if that cough is accompanied by fever, aches, and fatigue, influenza is the likely culprit.

In short, a flu will hit you hard and fast. One day you’re fine; the next, you’re flattened with a high fever, pounding head, aching bones, and zero energy. A common cold tends to creep up more gradually with milder symptoms (maybe a stuffy nose and sore throat) and you can often carry on your day. Trust how you feel – if your symptoms feel more severe than a usual cold, don’t brush it off. It’s likely the flu, and you should take steps to rest and recover (and avoid spreading it, which we’ll cover next).

Why You Should Stay Home When You’re Sick

When the flu strikes, your bed or couch is exactly where you belong. Going to work or school with the flu is not a good idea for two big reasons: your recovery and preventing the spread of the virus.

1. You need time to recover. Influenza is more than just a nuisance – it can really knock you around. Your immune system is fighting a tough battle, and that takes energy. By staying home and resting, you’re giving your body the best chance to get well. Plenty of rest and sleep helps you recover faster​. If you push yourself by going into the office or trying to “power through” a flu, you could prolong your illness or even risk complications like a chest infection. Remember, most people will start feeling better in about a week with proper rest and care, but trying to work while sick can stretch that out.

2. You’ll prevent spreading the flu to others. The flu is highly contagious – it spreads through droplets when you cough, sneeze, or even talk​. You can even infect others before you know you’re sick (roughly a day before symptoms start) and for about a week after becoming ill. That means if you go into work while sick, you could easily give the flu to your coworkers. One person’s flu can quickly become an office outbreak. Health authorities urge people with flu symptoms or a flu diagnosis to stay home and avoid contact with others until symptoms have resolved​. It’s not just about you; it’s about protecting those around you. Some people — like the elderly, pregnant women, or those with chronic health issues — can get seriously ill from the flu, so keeping your germs to yourself is a must.

Staying home when you’re unwell isn’t just considerate, it’s often officially recommended. For example, NSW Health advises flu sufferers to remain at home for at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided and until they feel well​. In other words, don’t rush back to work the minute your fever breaks; give it at least a day and make sure you’re truly on the mend. This guideline helps ensure you’re no longer contagious. Bottom line: if you have the flu, take a sick day (or a few) and isolate yourself as much as possible. Pushing through illness helps no one in the long run.

While you’re resting at home, focus on self-care: stay hydrated, eat if you can, and use over-the-counter meds to relieve fever or pain if needed. The Healthdirect service suggests simple measures like drinking plenty of fluids and good hygiene even at home (throw away used tissues, wash your hands)​. You’ll recover better in a cozy bed than at a desk, and your colleagues will thank you for not sharing your flu with them.

Notifying Your Employer and Keeping Them Updated

If you wake up with a fever and body aches, calling in sick is the responsible thing to do. But beyond just a phone call, there are a few best practices for notifying your employer about your sick leave. Australian workplace standards recognise that employees will need sick days, but communication is key. Here’s how to handle it professionally and promptly:

Tell your employer as soon as possible. Under Australian employment law, you should let your employer know you’re taking sick leave as early as you can – this might be first thing in the morning before your shift, or even the night before if you’re already ill​. Don’t wait until midday; a quick call, email, or message to your manager early on allows them to plan for your absence. Simply explain that you are unwell (you can mention you suspect it’s the flu, especially if you have a fever or doctor’s confirmation) and that you won’t be able to come in.

Provide an idea of duration. It helps to give an estimate of how long you think you’ll be out, if possible. For example, you might say, “I hope to be okay by Thursday, but I’ll keep you updated.” Employers appreciate knowing if it’s likely a one-day absence or if you might be away for a few days. Of course, with the flu this can be hard to predict, but an approximate timeline based on how you feel or a doctor’s advice is useful. In fact, Fair Work guidelines note that employees should inform their employer how long they expect to be off work when they call in sick​.

Follow your workplace’s sick leave policy. Many companies have specific procedures for calling in sick – some may require you to call a certain manager, log it in an HR system, or send an email to HR. Make sure you follow those rules so your leave is properly documented. Also, be aware of any requirements for evidence. It’s common in Australia for employers to ask for a doctor’s certificate (medical certificate) if you take more than a day or two of sick leave, or even for a single day in some cases​. We’ll talk more about getting a doctor’s certificate online in the next section, but you might want to mention to your boss that you’ll be obtaining a medical certificate to cover your absence.

Keep them updated if your illness persists. Sometimes the flu can hang on longer than expected. If you told your employer you’d likely be back after two days but you’re still running a fever on day three, make sure to update them. A quick email or call saying, “I’m still unwell and won’t be able to return tomorrow as hoped. I’ve obtained another medical certificate and expect to be back on Monday,” keeps everyone in the loop. Employers understand that recovery times can change; the key is communication. Don’t just vanish – keep the conversation going if your sick leave needs to be extended.

Provide the required documentation. Once you’re starting to feel better or when your employer requests it, send through your medical certificate. In Australia, a medical certificate from a registered doctor (including one obtained via telehealth) is generally accepted as evidence of your need to take sick leave. Thanks to telehealth services, you can even get this certificate while resting at home (more on that below!). Providing this document promptly reassures your employer that your leave is legitimate and lets you access any sick pay you’re entitled to. Remember, full-time employees accrue 10 days of paid sick leave per year under the National Employment Standards​, and you’re entitled to use it when you’re ill – just be sure to follow notice requirements.

Quick tips for notifying your employer:

• Contact them early: Call or email before your workday starts, if possible, to inform them you’re too sick to work​. Early notice helps with arranging cover for your duties.
• Be brief and clear: You don’t have to overshare details. A simple explanation that you have the flu or flu-like illness and need a sick day is sufficient. (They don’t need a rundown of all your symptoms, just the facts that you’re unwell and cannot work.)
• Mention duration: Let them know roughly how long you might be out. For example, “I’ll be off today and tomorrow, and I’ll update you if I’m not improving by then.”
• Follow policy: If your workplace requires a certain process (like phoning a specific number or updating an online system), make sure you do that. Also mention you will provide a medical certificate as required, since many employers ask for one even for a single day off​.
• Stay in touch: If your recovery takes longer than expected, send a short update. Something like, “Still recovering, doctor has advised two more days off – I’ll return on Monday with a medical certificate,” keeps everyone informed.

By communicating promptly and professionally, you’ll maintain goodwill with your employer and reduce any stress about your absence. Remember, nearly everyone gets sick at some point – especially during a bad flu season – so your manager will likely appreciate your honesty and proactive communication.

Getting an Online Medical Certificate in Australia

If you’re sick with the flu, the last thing you want to do is drag yourself out of bed, drive to a clinic, and sit in a waiting room full of other sick people just to get a doctor’s note. The good news is telehealth has made it easy to obtain a medical certificate online in Australia. You can be assessed by a qualified doctor via your phone or computer and receive a legitimate doctor’s certificate without leaving home. Here’s how it works and how NextClinic can help:

Telehealth to the rescue: Australia has embraced telehealth, which means you can consult with a doctor over a video call or phone call. During flu season, many people are using this option for convenience and to avoid spreading germs. If you’re battling the flu, a telehealth doctor can assess your symptoms, provide advice for care, and issue a medical certificate if appropriate. Since the flu’s symptoms are quite clear (fever, etc.), doctors can often verify your illness remotely. Telehealth medical certificates are just as valid as those given in person – they’re typically a PDF or document emailed to you, signed by a registered doctor with their provider number. Employers should accept these just as they would a paper certificate (telehealth certificates are now common and legal across Australia​).

NextClinic – fast online medical certificates: One popular telehealth platform in Australia is NextClinic, which specialises in online medical certificates and doctor’s consultations. NextClinic offers 1 or 2 day medical certificates via telehealth. This means if you need a day or two off work due to flu, their doctors can issue a certificate covering that period. The process is designed to be quick and hassle-free. In fact, NextClinic advertises that certificates are usually issued within about one hour of your request​, so you won’t be left waiting. (That sure beats sitting in a clinic waiting room for an hour!)

How easy is it? It’s very straightforward. Here’s how you can get an online doctor’s certificate through NextClinic:

1. Request a consultation or certificate online: Using NextClinic’s website, you fill out a simple form to request an online medical certificate. You’ll provide some basic details about your illness and symptoms. (For a short-term illness like the flu, some services might even have an online questionnaire you can fill out.)
2. Telehealth review by a doctor: A registered Australian doctor reviews your request. In some cases, they might give you a quick call or video chat, especially if they need a bit more information. The doctor will confirm your symptoms and ensure that a medical certificate is appropriate (which, for a flu that’s keeping you off work, it usually is).
3. Receive your medical certificate: Once approved, the doctor issues you a medical certificate for the needed days off (e.g. 1 or 2 days). NextClinic sends the doctor’s certificate online straight to your email inbox as a PDF. You can then forward it to your employer or print it out. The whole process is typically completed within an hour or so​, meaning you can get the documentation sorted while still resting in bed.

That’s it – no need to travel while ill, no waiting in line. The certificate you receive will have the doctor’s details and the dates you are unfit for work. It serves as official proof to your employer that a medical professional has assessed you and confirmed you were too sick to work on those days.

Why use an online service? Aside from the convenience, using NextClinic or a similar telehealth service helps you avoid infecting others. If you can get a doctor’s certificate online, you won’t risk exposing a clinic full of people (and healthcare workers) to the flu. It’s also great for those who live in areas with limited access to GPs or for when appointments are fully booked during peak flu season. The Australian healthcare system recognises telehealth certificates – they are part of making healthcare accessible. Just ensure you use a reputable service like NextClinic, which uses qualified Australian doctors to issue certificates.

A common concern is whether employers will accept an online medical certificate. The answer is generally yes. According to Fair Work Ombudsman guidelines, a medical certificate (which is a document signed by a medical practitioner) is an acceptable form of evidence for sick leave​. It doesn’t matter if the consultation was in person or via telehealth. In fact, many Australian employers are now quite used to seeing telehealth certificates. Just make sure the certificate includes the doctor’s provider number and the date(s) of your illness – any properly issued certificate will have these. NextClinic’s certificates meet these requirements, as they are issued by registered doctors.

Cost and availability: Getting an online medical certificate is relatively inexpensive (for instance, NextClinic’s certificates start around $19.90 as of now​) and saves you time. Doctors on NextClinic are available from early morning (6am) to late at night, 7 days a week​, so you can request a cert first thing in the morning or even on weekends. This 24/7 availability is a lifesaver when you wake up sick on a Sunday or need a last-minute certificate.

In summary, requesting a doctor’s certificate online is a smart option during flu season. You’ll stay more comfortable, reduce the spread of illness, and still get the documentation you need for work or university. NextClinic and similar telehealth platforms have made the process of getting a medical certificate smooth and fast – truly a win-win when you’re under the weather.

Australian Sick Leave Basics and Flu Season Etiquette

Before we wrap up, let’s touch on a bit of local context around sick leave and the flu in Australia:

• Sick leave is your right: If you’re a full-time or part-time employee (not casual), you are entitled to paid sick leave. Full-timers accumulate 10 days of paid sick leave per year (and part-timers get a pro-rata amount). Don’t hesitate to use these days when you genuinely need them – they exist so you can recover from illness without financial stress. Employers legally must allow you to take this leave if you’re unwell. Just remember to give notice and provide evidence if required​, as we discussed earlier. A medical certificate (including an online one) or even a statutory declaration can serve as evidence. It’s actually considered “unreasonable” for an employer to deny your sick leave or penalise you for taking it when you have proper proof.
• Flu season timing: Australia’s flu season typically kicks off around May (mid to late autumn) and peaks during winter, often June or July​. It usually winds down by early spring (around September)​. This seasonal pattern is why you see flu vaccine campaigns each autumn – health experts recommend getting your flu shot by April or May to be protected before the peak hits. Knowing this timeline can help you anticipate when colds and flus will be circulating at work or school. For instance, if it’s July and a lot of your coworkers are sniffing and coughing, it might be a bad flu period – stay extra cautious with hygiene and don’t be surprised if you catch a bug.
• Current flu trends: Pay attention to the news or health department updates during flu season. Some years are worse than others. For example, Australia saw an especially early and sharp flu season in 2022, and 2024 recorded the highest number of cases in recent history. Keeping informed can help you decide when to be most careful. If health authorities report that “influenza is on the rise” in your area, that’s your cue to be vigilant – and if you do get sick, to act quickly in taking leave and seeing a doctor (via telehealth, if possible). It’s all about being prepared and responsive during those peak flu months.
• Workplace expectations: Culturally, Australian workplaces generally encourage employees to “stay home if you’re sick”. Gone are the days when coming in while ill was seen as heroic. Now, especially after recent pandemic lessons, managers prefer you rest at home rather than infect the whole team. So don’t worry that you’ll be seen as “slacking off” for taking sick leave due to flu – it’s actually responsible. Just keep the line of communication open with your employer. Most bosses will respond with a “No worries, hope you feel better soon. Send through your medical cert when you can.” If you ever feel pressured to work while sick, remember the health and safety of everyone is at stake. You’re doing the right thing by recuperating at home.

By understanding your sick leave rights and the nature of flu season, you can handle your illness in a way that’s considerate to both yourself and those around you. Australia’s laws and workplace norms have your back when it comes to taking time off for health. Use your sick days, get that online doctor’s certificate, and focus on getting well.

Stay healthy and take care this flu season. Recognising the flu early, resting at home, and using tools like online medical certificates will help you get through it with as little stress as possible. Remember, your health comes first – work and other responsibilities can wait a few days while you get back on your feet. Here’s to a safe and healthy winter!

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