NSW Issues Warning as Nearly 2000 People Struck Down by Flu Outbreak

NSW Health authorities have warned people across the state as almost 2,000 people were struck down by flu outbreak in just one week.

New South Wales Health has issued a warning as influenza cases across the state spiked in number. The warning urged sick people to stay home and away from the elderly or children.

There were 1950 cases of influenza last week with the majority caused by A(H3N2) strain of the virus, which is covered by the flu vaccine. The elderly have been hit hard with around 22 outbreaks recorded in aged care facilities last week, while 45 people have already died in aged care facilities from influenza this year.

NSW Health’s Director Communicable Diseases Dr Vicky Sheppeard said outbreaks in aged care facilities were difficult to control because the vaccine was not as effective in the elderly.

Dr Sheppeard said that this year, there were 79 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities, affecting around 942 staff and residents.

“It’s important that friends and family who may have the flu stay away from these facilities while they are unwell to help prevent the spread of the virus,” she said.

Dr Sheppeard also urged pregnant women to have an influenza vaccination. “Pregnant women who get influenza are at greater risk of developing serious complications, such as pneumonia, which may result in their hospitalisation. Children born to vaccinated mothers also have a reduced risk of contracting influenza in the first six months of life,” she said.

Source: Dailytelegraph.com.au