WINTER’S finally arrived and so has the sneezing season.
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“About 2800 Australians die every year, either directly from seasonal flu, complications due to the flu or pneumonia,” the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) acting public health director Alison Nikitas said.
Ms Nikitas said it wasn’t too late for people to get vaccinated to reduce the risks of the flu during the peak season.
The MLHD recommends a seasonal flu vaccine for anyone old than six months and is free for people aged over 65, pregnant women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
People at risk of heart disease, severe asthma, who have diabetes or chronic lung conditions can also get vaccinated for free.
Ms Nikitas said there were several ways to stop the spread of influenza including;
- Covering your face when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in a rubbish bin
- Washing your hands thoroughly and often. Wash hands for at least 10 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Stay at home until you¡¦re well. Wait at least 24 hours after your fever resolves so you that you aren’t likely to infect other people. Keep sick children away from school and other activities
- Call ahead to see a doctor. If you think you may have influenza and you need to see a doctor, remember to call first so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people.
Further information is available from www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation.
