The latest data shows that in the second week of May, 2,000 people were diagnosed with influenza across NSW, and with cases expected to surge rapidly in the next six to eight weeks, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said “now is the time to book in for a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones”.
Dr Chant said health officials were already seeing an increase in the number of young children becoming sick with the virus.
“This is a timely reminder for parents. The flu vaccine is readily available and free for those at higher risk of severe illness, including children aged six months to under five years,” she said.
“We are also seeing Covid-19 activity increase from low to moderate levels, and expect that it will also continue to increase, so we are encouraging the community to make sure they are up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations.
“With all three viruses in circulation, we also want to remind the community that symptomatic people should stay at home and wear a mask if they do need to go out. They should avoid visiting high-risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities.”
NSW Health says everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens through simple measures such as, staying home if unwell and wearing a mask if you need to go out, and practising good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
Flu levels booming alert
WITH influenza and Covid transmission increasing and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remaining at high levels, everyone’s being urged to stay up to date with their vaccinations to protect themselves and others.
