Perhaps you went to bed with a scratchy throat or a mild headache. By lunchtime, you’re exhausted. Your body aches. Even simple tasks feel harder than they should. You cancel plans, move meetings, and tell yourself you’ll be fine after an early night.

But you’re not.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, has a way of stopping life in its tracks. During flu season, many people are surprised by how quickly symptoms can develop and how long it can take to feel like themselves again.

For busy professionals, parents and carers, the disruption often extends beyond physical symptoms. Illness and the slow process of recovery can have an impact on your energy levels, work rhythm, exercise routines and sleep patterns.  

What is the flu?

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Most people recover relatively easily at home, but some groups are at higher risk of serious illness, including the very young and old, smokers, and those with underlying health conditions or pregnancy. 

Flu cases usually peak in winter and, each year in Australia, flu causes about 3,500 deaths, 18,000 hospitalisations and 300,000 visits to a GP. The flu should be taken seriously. 

What are common flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms commonly include:

• Fever
• Chills or sweats
• Muscle aches and body pain
• Headache
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose

Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly children. 

It may take a week or so for most symptoms to fade, though you may find that the cough and fatigue drag on for a fortnight more.

How long does flu recovery take?

Flu can strike quickly and linger like an unwelcome guest. Fever, congestion and body aches may start to ease by the end of the first week, but the fatigue and cough may persist for weeks after the initial infection has resolved.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, and many people find they need more rest than expected. It can be frustrating to be under pressure to pick up your responsibilities when your energy, concentration and exercise tolerance have not fully returned. 

It is not uncommon to feel:

• More tired than usual
• Less productive or mentally sharp
• Frustrated by reduced energy levels
• Slower to return to your usual routine.

Looking after yourself during flu recovery

Resting when you have the flu allows your body to direct energy towards healing and immune function. Try to:

• Stay hydrated
• Prioritise sleep and rest
• Return to normal activities gradually
• Eat regular, nutritious meals when possible
• Avoid strenuous exercise until symptoms have improved
• Follow medical advice regarding symptom management.

When should you see a doctor for flu?

Many cases of influenza can be managed at home with rest, fluids and symptom management, but there are times when medical review is appropriate.

Please see your GP if:

• Symptoms are severe or worsening
• You are having difficulty breathing
• Fever is persistent or returns after improving
• Symptoms are not improving as expected
• You are pregnant
• You have underlying medical conditions
• Recovery feels unusually prolonged
• You’re in a higher-risk group, such as:
  • Children under 5
  • Adults over 65
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If you’re not sure what you should do, you can call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) for 24/7 advice from a registered nurse. 

How can we help?

Flu can have a significant impact on your energy, productivity, family life and overall wellbeing. We provide comprehensive primary care, preventive health support and personalised advice to help you recover and return to your usual routine.

Please book an appointment if you would like support during flu season.

Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.  

References

• Australian Centre for Disease Control. (2026, February 11). Influenza (flu). https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/influenza-flu
  
• Healthdirect Australia. (2024, April). Flu (influenza). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/flu
  
• Better Health Channel. (2026, March 16). Influenza (flu). Department of Health, State Government of Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flu-influenza

The post Flu symptoms and recovery: what to know during flu season appeared first on The Banyans.

You’re still getting through work, meeting deadlines, getting the kids where they need to be and doing what’s expected of you.

But something has changed.

You’re more irritable than you used to be (in fact, downright angry at times). Your sleep is poor. You overreact to things. You feel constantly on edge, yet you can’t switch your mind off, and your concentration is starting to slip.

Many high-functioning professionals describe feeling as though their nervous system is permanently “on”. That could be due to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety or grief. But there’s also another condition that can affect sleep, stress responses, concentration, and emotional regulation: could you have PTSD?

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as:

• Serious accidents or injuries
• Physical or sexual assault
• Family violence
• Military service or combat exposure
• Medical trauma, such as a life-threatening emergency or a high-risk birth
• Sudden loss
• Natural disasters, like bushfires or floods
• Repeated exposure to distressing situations through work or caregiving roles (think nurses or first responders).

Trauma has an impact on everyone who experiences it, but for most people, those symptoms pass with time and with the right support.

PTSD risk is linked to the type and severity of the trauma. It’s more likely to be triggered by sexual assault, abuse, military combat and terrorist incidents than by car crashes or natural disasters.

You are more likely to develop PTSD if you:

• Experienced someone causing deliberate harm
• Were exposed to repeated trauma at work, for example, soldiers, paramedics, firefighters or nurses
• Experienced other stresses after the trauma, such as losing your home, your job or someone you love
• Are prone to anxiety or depression
• Didn’t have enough support after the traumatic event. 

PTSD can only be diagnosed by an appropriately qualified health professional using recognised diagnostic criteria. About 12% of Australians experience PTSD at some point, although rates may be higher among defence personnel, emergency workers, healthcare professionals and people exposed to repeated trauma.

Common PTSD symptoms

PTSD symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. Some people notice symptoms shortly after trauma, while others experience delayed symptoms months later.

Common post-traumatic stress symptoms may include:

• Feeling constantly on edge: hypervigilance, irritability, exaggerated startle responses, or difficulty fully relaxing
• Sleep problems: sleep disruption, nightmares, difficulty switching off, not feeling refreshed when you wake up
• Intrusive memories or flashbacks: triggering strong emotional or physical reactions
• Avoidance: deliberately not being in conversations, situations, or environments that remind you of distressing experiences
• Changes in mood or thinking: anxiety, emotional numbness, withdrawal, guilt, low mood, or difficulty feeling emotionally connected to others
• Difficulty concentrating: decline in focus, memory, productivity, and cognitive performance.

These symptoms exist on a spectrum and do not automatically indicate PTSD. However, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life may benefit from professional support.

Can someone have “high-functioning” PTSD?

Some people continue performing highly at work and maintaining daily responsibilities while quietly experiencing significant trauma-related symptoms.

The term “high-functioning PTSD” is not a formal medical diagnosis, but it may aptly describe people in high-pressure roles who prioritise productivity and compartmentalise distress. In some cases, maintaining high levels of achievement or constant busyness can become part of how people cope with unresolved stress or trauma.

How trauma can affect sleep

After distressing or overwhelming experiences, the nervous system can remain in a heightened state of alert, responding as though it needs to remain prepared for danger. That can make it hard to rest.

Sleep problems like insomnia and nightmares are common for people with PTSD. Persistently bad nights can affect your mood, concentration, memory and day-to-day functioning.

Trauma-related sleep problems may include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking frequently
• Nightmares or distressing dreams
• Feeling restless or “on alert” at night
• Waking earlier than planned
• Feeling tired during the day

Sleep problems can also overlap with other concerns, including anxiety, depression, chronic stress, alcohol use or sleep apnoea, so it is worth speaking with a GP.

When should you seek support?

Many people experience stress, poor sleep or emotional ups and downs after a difficult event. These responses are often temporary.

It may be worth speaking with a GP if symptoms:

• Persist for several weeks or longer
• Regularly disrupt your sleep
• Affect your work, relationships or daily life
• Cause significant distress
• Lead you to withdraw from people or activities
• Feel increasingly difficult to manage

For high-performing professionals, symptoms can be easy to dismiss because work and family responsibilities continue. Outwardly, life may appear unchanged while sleep, concentration, mood and stress tolerance gradually deteriorate.

Because trauma-related symptoms can overlap with burnout, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, assessment can help clarify what is contributing to your symptoms and what support may be appropriate.

A GP can provide an initial assessment, develop a Mental Health Care Plan if appropriate, coordinate referrals, and support ongoing care.

When should you seek support?

You should seek urgent support or call 000 if you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm.

Urgent assessment is also important if symptoms involve:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Severe distress or panic
• Inability to function safely day-to-day
• Significant substance misuse
• Extreme behavioural changes or withdrawal

In Australia, support services are available 24 hours a day, including:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636, https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 011 046, https://www.openarms.gov.au

Looking after your mental wellbeing

Trauma does not always announce itself in obvious ways. Sometimes it appears as poor sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, or a persistent feeling of being “on edge”.

While these symptoms do not automatically indicate PTSD, they may be a sign that your mind and body are carrying more than they can comfortably manage. If stress, trauma or sleep difficulties are affecting your daily life, the team at The Banyans Medical Centre and Specialist Clinics can help you explore the next steps and connect you with appropriate support.

Please book an appointment.

Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. 

References

• Australian Psychological Society (n.d.), Post-traumatic stress disorder, https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/posttraumatic-stress-disorder
  
• Healthdirect Australia. (2025). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
  
• Psychology Today. (2024). Is high-functioning PTSD real? https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-aftermath-of-trauma/202410/
  
• Phoenix Australia. (2020). Australian guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute stress disorder, PTSD and complex PTSD. https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsdis-high-functioning-ptsd-real
  
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Sleep problems in veterans with PTSD.  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/sleep_problems.asp

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That gap between how you feel and what’s actually happening inside your body is exactly why heart health checks exist. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, rising blood sugar — these things tend to develop slowly and quietly, either with no symptoms or with subtle ones that are easily missed or put down to a particularly busy week.

But, if you’re honest, your life may be a series of busy weeks! Many mid-career professionals are constantly juggling high workloads, disrupted sleep and competing responsibilities. When you’re time-poor, it’s harder to exercise and easier to order takeaway than cook something nutritious. Alcohol intake can also creep up.

What are common heart disease risk factors?

There are recognised modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease, including:

• Age
• Family history
• Ethnicity
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol – there may be no outward signs, which is why a heart health check is helpful
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Weight
• Diet
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep
• Limited social support
• Depression, which can be as significant as smoking and obesity when it comes to heart health.

What is a heart health check?

A GP heart health check is a preventive cardiovascular assessment designed to estimate your risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease over the next five years and develop a plan to reduce that risk if necessary.

Your GP will review your personal and family medical history, discuss your lifestyle, and arrange any necessary blood tests to assess cholesterol or blood sugar levels. They’ll also measure your blood pressure, waist circumference and weight.  

Your cardiovascular risk profile depends on the combined effect of multiple risk factors. Many GPs use the Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator to integrate these factors. Once they have a clear picture of your cardiovascular risk, they’ll talk through what it means for you.

Depending on your age and risk profile, your GP may recommend follow-up investigations, ongoing monitoring, medications, lifestyle changes or referral for specialist assessment.

Are the results of a heart health check useful?

Yes. Knowledge is power. Once you know your cardiovascular risk profile, you can take steps to change its trajectory.

Obviously, there’s nothing you can do about your age, genetics or past habits. But many modifiable risk factors can be addressed through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. The cumulative effect of everyday habits can influence cardiovascular risk over time, particularly when unfavourable patterns persist. While change is not easy, your GP and other healthcare professionals can help you to:

• Enjoy a sustainable rhythm of exercise
• Improve your diet and reduce your alcohol consumption
• Find better ways to manage or reduce stress
• Improve your sleep

For some people, lifestyle changes alone are enough to reduce risk. For others, medication or specialist support may also play a role. The important thing is that you’re making decisions based on actual information rather than assumptions.

When should you see a GP about your heart health?

It’s worth booking a GP heart health appointment if you’re 45 or older, haven’t had your blood pressure or cholesterol checked recently, have a family history of cardiovascular disease, or simply want a clearer picture of where your long-term health is heading.

Call 000 if you experience severe, worsening, or persistent chest pain lasting more than 10-15 minutes.
Key warning signs of a heart attack include chest pressure or squeezing, pain radiating to the arms, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, sudden sweating, or dizziness.

How can we help?

Autumn is not about drastic changes, it’s about sustainable adjustments that carry through winter. Our GPs provide preventive heart health assessments tailored to your individual history, risk factors, and health goals. If you’re due for a heart health check or if you have concerns about your heart health, we encourage you to book an appointment.

Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. 

References

• Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance. (2023). Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator. https://www.cvdcheck.org.au/calculator
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2026). Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts
• Healthdirect Australia. (2025). Heart attack. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack
• National Heart Foundation of Australia. (2026). Are you at risk of heart disease? https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/are-you-at-risk-of-heart-disease
• National Heart Foundation of Australia. (2026). Heart health checks. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks
• National Heart Foundation of Australia. (2026). Heart attack warning signs. https://heartfoundation.au/your-heart/heart-attack-warning-signs

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