The Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has confirmed 233 cases of influenza in the Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Goulburn Mulwaree local government areas so far this year.
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The latest report showed 26 people diagnosed with the highly contagious respiratory illness in the Upper Lachlan, up from 11 reports in 2018 entirely.
This year, there was an unusual increase in summer cases as well as an early start to flu season. Usually, flu season is early winter to early spring. This makes data difficult to compare to the previous two years' influenza seasons, as well as a testing uptake this year, a SNSWLHD spokesperson said.
The health district has urged people to immunise against the flu to spreading the virus. "The flu is worse than a common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense, and often start suddenly," the spokesperson said.
Across NSW, influenza surveillance reports 41,545 diagnosed cases in 2019, and 70 related deaths. Simple steps to stop infection spreading include:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and running water
- Turn away and cover mouth and nose with a tissue to cough and sneeze (or into elbow)
- Avoid close contact with people coughing or in fever
- Stay home if sick; keep sick children from school etc.
People who have flu symptoms must postpone visiting hospitals or aged care facilities until well.
Flu shots are free for: children aged six months to five years; pregnant women; Aboriginal people; those aged 65-plus; and anyone with medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease etc).
