NSW Ministry of Health launches flu campaign
FOLLOW these simple steps to avoid the flu this winter and prevent a repeat of last year’s epidemic.
Liverpool
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EVER wondered just how many germs are on your hands?
Commuters had the chance to see first-hand yesterday when the NSW Ministry of Health brought its germ detector to Liverpool railway station.
Using a simulated germ solution on their hands, commuters were asked to place them under a UV light germ detector, which revealed the hidden bugs.
It is part of the NSW Government’s $1.75 million flu campaign, aimed at avoiding a repeat of last year’s epidemic which saw 654 people die from influenza in NSW alone.
“Last year’s flu season was one of the worst on record,” NSW Ministry of Health events manager Mark Afif said.
He said there were simple steps people could take to minimise the risk of spreading the flu.
“The flu shot is recommended for everyone. Of course if you’re in a danger group — so the elderly or the very young — it’s definitely recommended to get a flu shot,” Mr Afif said.
Simple hygiene measures such as coughing into your elbow and cleaning your hands regularly are also important.
And if you’re sick, stay at home.
“A lot of people try to soldier on when they’re sick. Unfortunately this causes everyone to get the flu as well,” he said.
The government will spend a record $22.75 million on immunisation programs this financial year, including $3.5 million for free flu shots for children up to five years of age.
The flu shot is free for pregnant women, people over 65 years of age, most Aboriginal people
and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
South Western Sydney Local Health District’s acting director of public health Dr Kate
Alexander urged people to get their flu shot early, ideally in April or May.
“Vaccination is your best protection against flu and because the vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective and wears off over time, it is important to get it very soon,’’
Dr Alexander said.
She said this year’s vaccine would be much stronger than last year’s with a better match to the four circulating strains.