NSW Health is warning that a new strain of the flu which emerged in the Northern Hemisphere earlier this year would likely circulate in Australia this winter.

Director of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said NSW Health is urging the public – especially pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions - to get vaccinated against the flu. 

“The new strain of flu is a type of influenza (H3N2) which looks likely to replace the pandemic flu that emerged in 2009 as the dominant virus strain,” Dr McAnulty said.

“This may mean that people in older age groups, some of whom had some natural protection against the pandemic strain, may be at greater risk this winter."

“We are already seeing a rise in activity related to this new influenza strain and this will escalate during the winter period so now is the time to get vaccinated."

“Free flu vaccine is available to people considered more vulnerable to severe influenza, including those aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic illness as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

“Parents of children older than 6 months old - who are at higher risk of severe influenza - should talk to their local GP to arrange a flu vaccination."

“Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be considered routine as it protects both the mother and the infant.

"People who don’t get vaccinated not only place themselves at risk of the flu and developing potentially serious illness, but also put others at risk of infection."

“It takes time for the vaccine to work so now is the time to get vaccinated before the winter period when influenza is most prevalent."

“Taking preventive measures with personal hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing your hands regularly, will also help reduce the risk of contracting the flu virus.”

Simple steps to help stay healthy this winter include:

• 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 to avoid infecting others; and
• 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.

NSW Health reminds parents and families that health advice and information is available via the free Healthdirect Australia service, staffed by registered nurses 24-hours a day on 1800 022 222