ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, says the influenza season has started in the ACT, and with the number of cases starting to increase over the past two weeks, Canberrans are being reminded it’s not too late to get their annual flu vaccination.

“Cases of influenza reported to ACT Health have started to increase over the last couple of weeks, indicating that the flu season has arrived,” Paul said.

“We have seen almost 200 cases of influenza reported since the start of the year, with 20 per cent of these cases reported in the last two weeks.

“Our message to Canberrans is that the annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect themselves from influenza, especially for people at high risk of complications, and it’s not too late to get vaccinated to be protected this flu season.

“The influenza vaccine is available from General Practitioners (GPs), other primary health providers and corporate medical services. For the first time this year, the influenza vaccination is also available for adults at local pharmacies in the ACT.

“To minimise the spread of influenza in our community, I’m advising Canberrans to follow some simple advice.

“If you become unwell with a flu-like illness (with symptoms including cough, fever, tiredness), there are several things you can do to help stop spreading the disease to others.

“Stay away from childcare, school, work and other social activities until you are well.

“Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of soiled tissues in the bin immediately.

“Touching contaminated surfaces (including hands) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes can also lead to infection, so wash your hands regularly with soap and water and/or use an alcohol based hand rub,” Dr Kelly said.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral illness that can affect people of all ages. It is spread person to person by virus-containing respiratory droplets, produced during coughing or sneezing.

The influenza virus can survive for more than 8 hours on hard surfaces such as a lift button or light switch, a telephone, the photocopier or the handle of a supermarket trolley.

For further medical advice, Canberrans are encouraged to talk with their GPs. For more information on influenza and the influenza vaccine visit: health.act.gov.au.

[Photo by Aiden Chadwick, attribution licence.]