08 June 2011

2011 winter flu campaign underway

The Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, today announced the beginning of the 2011 Winter Illness Campaign, "The Spread of Flu is Up To You".

This is a public awareness campaign to inform the public of the best way to reduce the impact of the flu within the community, workplace and the public hospital system.

Mrs Skinner said influenza vaccination each year before winter arrives is the best defence to prevent influenza.

“Influenza is a vaccine-preventable illness but people need to receive a new vaccine every year because influenza viruses change constantly,” Mrs Skinner said.

"There are several simple steps everyone can take this winter to prevent the spread of flu which has a serious impact on the general health of the community, the public health system and affects businesses across NSW,” she said.

Most winters it is estimated that between 10 to 30 per cent of people get influenza and many require treatment in hospital.

The campaign will promote the measures people can take to prevent the spread of flu including:

• Get the latest flu vaccination to reduce the risk of flu - especially if you are at risk of severe complications;
• Cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly;
• Stay home if you have the flu so you don't infect others;
• Call ahead to see a doctor. If you think you may have influenza and you need to see a doctor, call first so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people;
• And if you are sick and have concerns, call your GP for advice or healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

Mrs Skinner said data shows hospital admissions between July and September typically increase.

“Admissions generally by 3.7 per cent, with the average length of stay also increasing by 1.3 per cent,” said Mrs Skinner.

“Adults are most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness and people at risk of complications are eligible for free influenza vaccine under the National Influenza Vaccination Program,” she said.

These groups include:

• All individuals aged 65 years or older
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples aged 15 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions predisposing to severe influenza, including cardiac disease, impaired immunity, respiratory conditions and other chronic conditions.

For more information on the Winter Flu Campaign 2011 visit www.health.nsw.gov.au.