Central Coast flu cases up by more than 20 per cent
The Central Coast region is one of just four areas State wide to experience a significant jump in the number of flu cases recorded. 50 people have died in NSW from the disease so far.
Confirmed flu cases at Central Coast hospitals have risen by an alarming twenty per cent, one of just four NSW areas to increase such a significant increase.
The other areas are Nepean Blue Mountins, Northern Sydney and South Western Sydney.
NSW Health figures show that 140 confirmed cases were recorded in the region in the week ending June 16, up from just 63 cases in the previous seven days.
The rate of infection per 100,000 people is now at more than 40.18, compared with 18.08 in the week ending June 9,
The figures show that of 496 people who presented at hospital emergencydepartments with flu like symptoms, 17 per cent were later confirmed to have influenza.
Health authorities said flu cases continue to rise across the board and urged people to get their free influenza vaccine, particularly small children under 5.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Disease, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, says 115 children have been admitted to Children’s Hospital Westmead with flu this year, including two needing critical care, and encouraged parents to vaccinate their children as soon as possible.
“With flu cases still on the rise, we’re encouraging everyone, particularly pregnant women and parents of young children, to get their flu shots immediately,” Dr Sheppeard said.
The latest weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows 3796 flu cases in NSW for the week ending 16 June, up from 3288 notifications the previous week and one additional death of a person over 65 years, bringing the annual total to 50 confirmed deaths.
Dr Sheppeard said 2.37 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines have been distributed across NSW, including over 176,000 doses for children 6 months to 3 years, and 1.17 million doses for people 65 years and over.
“There has been strong demand, but there are sufficient supplies of free Government-funded vaccines available for eligible people.
“So we are again encouraging parents and carers of children from 6 months up to five years old to take advantage of the free flu vaccine.
“If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact with other people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly. Avoid visiting aged care facilities and child care centres until you have recovered,” Dr Sheppeard said.
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