NSW residents are urged to take steps to protect themselves from the severe influenza due to the recent surge in flu cases, News Corp Australia reported on April 22.
The latest respiratory surveillance report shows more than 4,700 people have been diagnosed with influenza in NSW over the past four weeks, a 16 per cent surge on the same period last year.
Between 6 January and April 2024, NSW hospitals also admitted 480 patients with suspected influenza, compared to 284 in the same period in 2023. The upcoming flu season is expected to be just as bad as 2023, if not worse, with one in three people expected to get a cold or flu.
(Image source: News Corp Australia)
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said more young children were in intensive care in 2023 due to complications from the flu. To prevent this from happening again in 2024, Chant reminds people to get vaccinated against the flu before the flu season arrives.
"It's a very quick and easy process to make an appointment with a local doctor or pharmacist to get vaccinated, and they can also give you a COVID vaccine at the same time, if advised," Chant said. This simple move can help you and your family stay healthy this winter. ”
Health experts are also urging residents to make appointments for flu shots, fearing that thousands of people could get the disease during the winter months.
This is particularly worrying for those who are considered to be at higher risk of severe disease, such as children aged 6 months to 5 years, seniors aged 65 and over, Aboriginal Australians over 6 months, pregnant women and anyone with serious health conditions.
These susceptible groups can get a free flu vaccine from their local GP or pharmacist.
(Image source: News Corp Australia)
NSW Health is also urging residents to consider getting a COVID booster shot alongside their flu shot. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the flu was highly contagious and potentially life-threatening.
"Getting a flu shot, especially for susceptible populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, is the best way to protect yourself and the wider community," Minns said. ”
The Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said the disease had begun to increase across Australia. With the disease expected to increase in NSW as well, Park urged residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
In 2023, at a time when travel is freer in the post-pandemic era, the flu hit at least 300,000 Australians.
(Image source: News Corp Australia)
*The following are the "hardest hit" areas for colds and flu in Australia:*
1. Newcastle, NSW
2. Liverpool, NSW
3. Southport, QLD
4. Blacktown, NSW
5. Hornsby, NSW
6. Hurstville, LOVE
7. Hillarys, WA
8. Tamworth, NSW
9. Orange, NSW
10.Fremantle, YES
*And the areas that are expected to be most prone to cold and flu symptoms:*
新州：Newcastle, Liverpool, Blacktown
昆州：Southport, Cairns, Hervey Bay
南澳：Clovelly Park, Torrensville, Seaford
塔州：Launceston, Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay
维州:Alphabet, Baxter, Praharan
西澳:Hillarys, Fremantle, Mirrabooka