Authorities have warned serious cases of the flu have jumped 33 per cent across New South Wales, leaving an increasing number of people sick in emergency rooms.
The number of influenza cases and presentations in hospitals rose within the span of a week, according to the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report.
The increasing flu activity is not only concerning, it is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, NSW Health director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said.
“Influenza is more serious than the common cold,” he said.
“It can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission and causing death.
“Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”
The state’s health authority has urged everyone to get vaccinated – especially those at a greater risk of severe disease.
People most at risk are eligible for free vaccinations and include those over the age of 65, children aged between six months and five, Indigenous people from six months of age, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions like diabetes, cancer, immune disorders and severe asthma.
“Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease,” McAnulty said.
“By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”
NSW residents experiencing flu-like symptoms are urged to avoid visiting risky settings like hospitals and aged care facilities and crowded spaces.
People should also practice good hand hygiene, re-think visiting people who are high risk and visit a doctor if they themselves are at high risk of severe disease.
“If you have flu symptoms it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until after your symptoms have gone,” McAnulty said.
