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23 September 2008
Flu cases fall in winter 2008
NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today released new data which reveals the incidence of flu cases for winter this year has fallen compared to 2007.
“NSW Department of Health data shows 43,763 people sought help for respiratory diagnosis in Emergency Departments this winter – that represents a 17 per cent decrease or 8,700 fewer than the previous year,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“I commend the efforts of Emergency Department staff in dealing with these cases which traditionally spike during the winter season putting additional work pressures on our health professionals.”
The hospitals to experience the biggest falls were:
• Broken Hill Base Hospital - 39 per cent decrease (1,084 in 2007, compared to 665 in 2008);
• Belmont Hospital - 32 per cent decrease (610, compared to 414);
• Dubbo Base Hospital - 30 per cent decrease (1,037, compared to 722);
• Orange Base Hospital - 28 per cent decrease (1,067, compared to 772); and
• Tamworth Base Hospital - 27 per cent decrease (2,457, compared to 1,793). Although the general trend is down, some hospitals did experience increases, including:
• Concord Hospital - 43 per cent rise (519 in 2007, compared to 747 in 2008);
• Bathurst Base Hospital - 3.5 per cent rise (686, compared to 710); and
• Wyong Hospital - 2 per cent rise (1,643, compared to 1,675).
The age groups hardest hit by respiratory illness during this winter were:
• 0-4 years - 35.2 per cent
• 5-15 years- 14 per cent
• 17-34 years - 14 per cent
• 35-64 years - 17.2 per cent
• 65 years and over - 22.3 per cent
“On a typical day, almost 5000 people are admitted to a public hospital with a variety of injuries and illnesses,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“Our health professionals do an extraordinary job under challenging circumstances and as the Minister for Health it is my role to make sure they get all the support that is possible.
“Although respiratory illnesses have many causes, influenza viruses are one of the well-known factors for the winter increase along with the Respiratory Syncital Virus,” he said.
“The nature of the influenza disease varies considerably from year to year and its genetic characteristics change frequently, which alters the potency and impact of the virus,” Mr Della Bosca said.
“NSW Health advises people can help prevent the onset of flu by having an annual influenza vaccination.
“The 2008 National Influenza Immunisation Program provides vaccines free of charge to all people over 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between15-49 who fit the criteria for high risk groups.
"In the period to 22 August 2008, NSW Health distributed 892,468 doses of influenza vaccine to general practitioners, nursing homes, community health services, Justice Health, and other providers in NSW. This is 4,553 more doses than the year before.
“The Rees Government is working hard to improve health services across the State.
“I’m making it a priority to get out and visit as many doctors, nurses and support staff in our hospitals to see how we can work together to improve what is fundamentally a fantastic health system in NSW,” he added.
For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au
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