Dr Vicky Sheppeard, NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, says that while the flu vaccine is still the best protection, simple hand hygiene is also important.
“Basic hygiene can help prevent flu and other infections spreading in the community, so it’s really important to cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands regularly,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact with other people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly. Avoid visiting aged care facilities and child 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 shots for themselves and their children as soon as possible.”‚Ä®Dr Sheppeard says that just using soap and water to wash your hands regularly or an alcohol-based antibacterial hand gel, is a very effective way of killing germs that could be passed on or ingested.
Flu shots are also free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
Flu cases rising so get shot now
WITH flu cases still on the rise, people are reminded that simple hygiene such as regularly washing hands, will help stop the spread of the potentially deadly virus.