With flu cases still on the rise, people are reminded that simple hygienesuch as regularly washing hands will help stop the spread of the potentiallydeadly virus.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, said whilethe flu vaccine is still the best protection, simple hand hygiene is also important.
“Basic hygiene can help prevent flu and other infections spreading in thecommunity, so it’s really important to cover your coughs and sneezes, and washyour hands regularly,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact withother people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable,such as young children and the elderly. Avoid visiting aged care facilities andchild care centres until you have recovered.
“It’s also not too late to vaccinate and we’re encouraging everyone,particularly pregnant women and parents of young children, to arrange flu shotsfor themselves and their children as soon as possible.”
Dr Sheppeard said NSW Health is working hard to stop the spread of theflu but members of the community canalso make a difference.
“Just using soap and water to wash your hands regularly or analcohol-based antibacterial hand gel is a very effective way of killing germsthat could be passed on or ingested.”
The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 2969 flu cases forthe week ending 9 June, up from 2382 notifications the previous week and 49confirmed deaths.
The NSW Government is spending arecord $22.75 million on statewide immunisation programs which will assist withflu prevention this season. This includes $2.6 million for free flu shots tochildren up to five years of age and a $1.5 million immunisation and influenzaawareness campaign.
The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
Flu shots are alsofree under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such asasthma, diabetes and heart problems.
