Flu numbers explode, over 65s most at risk

By Tim Howard

An explosion in fu cases across the state has prompted North Coast health authorities to urge people over 65 to book in for their free fu jabs as the virus continues to surge across the state.

Director of North Coast Population and Public Health Dr Valerie Delpech said a recent surveillance report revealed there had been a 25% jump in fu diagnoses in a week.

“Flu is rapidly increasing across the state,” Dr Delpech said.

“In the past week alone presentations to NSW emergency departments increased by almost 22% for people with infuenza-like illness.

“We are expecting the fu season will be around for several weeks to come, so now is the time to book in for your free fu vaccine to get the vital protection you need.”

Dr Delpech said the more elderly, who were in greater need of the protection vaccination offered, were lagging behind in vaccination rates.

“At present, just half of people 65 and over (52.4 per cent) in NSW have received their fu vaccine,” she said.

The doctor said with infuenza, COVID-19 and RSV all circulating in the community, health services reminded the community to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.

“Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease,” Dr Delpech said. “Everyone, but particularly those at increased risk of severe disease, is urged to get vaccinated now. By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”

She said the infuenza vaccine was free and readily available for those at higher risk of severe illness from infuenza from GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged fve years and over.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from infuenza who are eligible for free vaccination include:

• people aged 65 and over

• children aged six months to under fve years

• Aboriginal people from six months of age

• pregnant women

• those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma, kidney, heart, and lung disease.

Dr Delpech said there were some simple steps people could take to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, infuenza and RSV, including:

• Stay up to date with your recommended infuenza and COVID-19 vaccinations

• Get together outdoors or in large, wellventilated spaces with open doors and windows

• Avoid crowded spaces

• Consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness

• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or infuenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines

• Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or infuenza

• Practice good hand hygiene, including hand washing.

• Stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home