Warning for NSW residents as six more people die from the flu

The flu has claimed another six lives, with experts warning cases of the virus among children and younger adults are still on the rise.

Six more people have died from the flu in NSW, bringing the 2019 death toll to 79.

NSW Health said there were another 6418 flu cases confirmed in the state in the week to July 14, bringing the total number of cases this year to 47,822.

While data suggests the state may have reached the peak of the flu season, NSW Health’s director of communicable disease Vicky Sheppeard said cases among children and younger adults were still on the rise.

“More than 20 children under five years of age were admitted to hospital with influenza-like illness in the past week,” Dr Sheppeard said in a statement on Friday.

Dr Sheppeard said vaccination was still the best protection against the flu. Picture: iStock

“The flu is still about, so I urge parents not to send their children back to school if they are ill and to follow simple hygiene precautions.”

There have been 24 flu outbreaks in aged-care facilities reported this week, bringing the year-to-date total to 154.

“If you are sick it is best to avoid visiting elderly relatives at aged-care facilities,” Dr Sheppeard said.

There have been more than 300 confirmed flu-related deaths across the country so far this year.

South Australia has been hit the hardest by this year’s flu season, with 92 people losing their lives because of the virus.

Queensland has had 51 reports of flu related deaths while Victoria and Western Australia have had 50 and 48.

The ACT has had five official reports, the Northern Territory has had four deaths and Tasmania has reported one official flu death.

NSW Health has urged people to cover coughs and sneezes, wash their hands thoroughly and stay home if they’re sick to minimise the spread of the flu.

New research revealed more than half of Aussies still show up to work despite being sick, with one in five having too much work to take a sick day.

The research, which came from water purification company Waterlogic, revealed that many Aussies are adopting the “hero mentality” and going to work despite being ill.

“Workplace heroes” are said to cost Aussie businesses $35 billion each year because they are more prone to injury, less productive, more likely to make errors and are potentially contagious.

Dr Sheppeard urged people to remain vigilant against the flu and said vaccination is the best protection.

- with wires

Originally published as Warning for NSW residents as six more people die from the flu