Flu death toll in NSW hits 79 for 2019

NSW is still gripped by the flu with six more deaths across the state bringing the 2019 death toll to 79 so far. The total number of influenza cases is nearing 50,000 after almost 6,000 this month.

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 Dr Vicky Sheppeard said cases among children and younger adults were still on the rise.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard administers a flu vaccine.

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“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.

“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.

There have been almost 50,000 confirmed cases of the flu in NSW this year.

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

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

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.