Authorities prepare for horror flu season as cases surge across Blacktown
Residents are urged to get vaccinated against the flu with hundreds of cases confirmed across the region in May alone.
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Health authorities are urging residents to get vaccinated, with flu cases on the rise across the Blacktown area.
According to NSW Health’s influenza surveillance report, there have been more than 450 confirmed cases in the Western Sydney Local Health District this month, with 37 people killed across NSW already this year.
In the Blacktown Local Government Area, there have been more than 156 cases since May 1.
Figures show the number of patients presenting to emergency with flu-like symptoms is also trending up, with presentations “significantly elevated across all age groups” in the western Sydney region.
Public health unit director Dr Shopna Bag said the region had witnessed a 200 per cent increase in cases from January to April this year, up 453 from the same period in 2018.
“Unusually high levels of influenza activity are being seen in most states and territories, with the national reporting rate more than five times the average for this time of year,” Dr Bag said.
“Last year we had the mildest flu season in five years, but as we all remember, more than 650 people died from influenza-related illness in 2017.
“Thanks to many factors, including the vigilance of the community last year, we avoided repeating the deadly flu season of 2017. We must not be complacent this year.”
Dr Bag said now was the best time to get vaccinated.
“The best protection against the flu is to get the flu vaccine,” she said.
Among those getting the jab was Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali.
“As we approach the winter months, it’s important to get vaccinated against the flu as the virus changes every year and can be life-threatening, even for the healthiest of people,” Cr Bali said.
“None of us wishes to live with the regret of a grandparent, young child or a person with health challenges suffering an adverse health outcome because they had not been vaccinated.
“I urge everyone to contact their GP to get their vaccine, and help limit the spread of influenza this flu season.”
Free flu shots are available for children under five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (aged over six months), people aged over 65 years and anyone with medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
Experts recommend sneezing into your elbow, washing your hands regularly and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of the flu.
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