Despitewarmer weather conditions across much the state, NSW Health is againreminding people to take precautions to minimize the spread of influenza.
NSW Health’sDirector of Communicable Disease, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said while flu activity hasdecreased or remained stable in most local health districts, we can’t becomecomplacent.
“The mosteffective precautions people can take are very simple things like staying athome if they are sick, washing hands regularly and covering their coughs,” shesaid.
“It’s not toolate to vaccinate. The flu can affect people of all age groups, even those whoare fit and healthy.
“Peopledisplaying symptoms should also stay away from elderly friends and relatives,particularly in aged care facilities where outbreaks continue to be reported.”
The latestweekly InfluenzaSurveillance Report shows 5,314 flu cases forthe week ending 11 August, down from 6,451 notifications the previous week, taking the yearlytotal to 78,049.
“There have been 20 additional deaths reported thisweek in people aged over 65 years, bringing the annual total to 147 deaths,” DrSheppeard said.
Almost 2.5 million doses of Government-funded fluvaccines have been distributed across NSW, including over 200,000 doses forchildren six months to three years and 1.18 million doses for people 65 yearsand over.
The free vaccine is still available for eligiblepeople who have not yet had their shot.
Flu shots are free under the National ImmunisationProgram for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people andthose with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
The NSW Government continues astrong investment on statewide immunisation programs including $2.6 million forfree flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.5 millionimmunisation and influenza awareness campaign.
The NSW Government will investabout $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, includingCommonwealth and state vaccines.
