Flu strikes thousands of Victorians, worst hit suburbs revealed
It’s not even flu season yet but thousands of Victorians have already been struck by the potentially deadly virus. And with COVID-19 wreaking havoc, it’s never been more vital to get your flu shot. Here are the worst suburbs hit so far.
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As COVID-19 spreads throughout Victoria, health experts are warning people not to forget another potentially deadly virus lurking around the corner – influenza.
And there’s never been a more important time to get your flu shot, to stay well and reduce any possible confusion with coronavirus.
There have been more than 3770 flu cases recorded in Victoria so far this year, with Casey the hardest hit (225 reports), Glen Eira (167), Boroondara (141), Whittlesea (127) and Hume (125).
They come on the heels of a devastating flu season last year, which killed more than 130 Victorians and hit 69,351 people across the state.
Alfred Health infectious diseases expert Allen Cheng urged everyone to get their flu shot.
“This year, more than any other, we’re really keen to get people vaccinated to reduce the possibility of confusion with coronavirus,” he said.
“The flu vaccine wouldn’t protect against coronavirus obviously, but the last thing we need when everyone is worried about respiratory infections is someone to get the flu.”
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Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Tim Vainoras said this month was the ideal time for people to be vaccinated.
“This should ensure they are protected by the time the disease starts to spread more widely in the community and for the peak of flu season, which is generally June to September,” he said.
“The coronavirus pandemic makes the need to get an annual flu shot all the more important – minimising risk of seasonal influenza will help people stay healthy while the global pandemic continues to unfold.”
GP clinics, pharmacies and other providers doling out the injections will be required to follow hygiene and physical distancing rules.
Quality Pharmacy Group health services development manager Katie Phan said the vaccine was free for children under five, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged over six months and all people over 65.
“You may also be eligible if you have a medical condition predisposing you to severe influenza such as asthma, lung or heart disease and diabetes,” she said.
Ms Phan advised anyone who had a fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath to hold off being vaccinated until they recovered.
TOP 10 LGAs FOR FLU CASES 2020 (UP TO MARCH 31)
1. Casey – 225
2. Glen Eira – 167
3. Boroondara – 141
4. Whittlesea – 127
5. Hume – 125
6. Wyndham – 120
7. Monash – 117
8. Mornington – 108
9. Moreland – 106
10. Stonnington – 105