THE flu season has arrived early on the Mid North Coast with a steep increase in reported cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza in recent weeks.
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The North Coast Public Health Unit, which covers the area from Laurieton in the south to the Queensland border in the north, has received 393 flu notifications in the first six months of this year including 174 notifications in June.
Outside Sydney, the North Coast had the highest number of cases in the community. NSW Health says that it is appearing at a rate of 13.7 per 100,000 people. Only Western Sydney and Sydney’s north shore had higher rates in NSW.
Director of North Coast Public Health, Paul Corben, said the flu season is expected to peak in the coming weeks.
“Now is a good time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so,” Mr Corben said.
This year’s flu vaccine covers the four influenza strains circulating in Australia.
Flu vaccination is free for higher-risk groups including pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes or heart disease, and Aboriginal people aged six months to five years, or over 15 years.
“Vaccination is the best protection against seasonal influenza,” Mr Corben said.
“Those eligible for a free vaccine should make an appointment with their local doctor as soon as possible. Other people can see their GP or chemist.”
As well as getting a flu shot, the following steps can help prevent the spread of flu:
- Avoid people you know are sick with flu
- Avoid crowded places where there may be other people sick with flu
- If you have the symptoms, don’t visit vulnerable people or aged care facilities
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, use disposable tissues, and dispose of tissues immediately after use
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
In NSW, this year, there have been 18 influenza outbreaks in nursing homes with at least 246 residents with flu symptoms and 25 hospitalisations. Fourteen deaths have been linked to these outbreaks – but they also had significant co-morbidities.