Flu cases are on the rise in the Southern Highlands.
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A total of 433 cases of Influenza were reported in the Wingecarribee Shire between May 9 and June 19.
A South Western Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said there had been a high rate of PCR testing and that 8592 flu infections had been detected across the SWSLHD region.
"It is higher than usual, but as it only represents those who have been tested it will not represent the full extent to which flu is circulating in the community," they said.
According to data from NSW Health, there were only 32 cases of reported flu infections in 2021 across the SWSLHD district.
The South Western Sydney Public Health Unit is urging local residents to book their flu vaccination now, to get protected against severe illness this flu season.
During June, the flu jab is available for free to all NSW residents who are six months and older at GPs and pharmacies across NSW.
It is particularly important for those more vulnerable, including the elderly, those with chronic illness or obesity, pregnant women, children and Aboriginal people to get vaccinated.
SWSLHD are also asking the community to support them in their efforts to make sure those who need emergency medical care receive it as quickly as possible by saving ambulances and emergency departments for saving lives.
If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, SWSLHD encourages people to visit their GP or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, which is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses to provide fast and simple expert advice on any health issue and what to do next.
How to reduce the risk COVID-19 and flu:
- Staying home if we're unwell, taking a COVID-19 test straight away and self-isolating.
- Wearing a mask indoors or wherever we can't physically distance
- Getting together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
- Practising good hygiene by washing or sanitising our hands often
- Taking a rapid antigen test to test for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events
- Staying up to date with vaccinations - for both flu and COVID-19.
What's the difference between the flu, the common cold and COVID-19?
According to Healthdirect Australia, cold and flu symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of COVID-19.
Colds:
A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Colds are very common.
Symptoms of a cold may include:
- fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
- sneezing
- blocked or runny nose
- cough
- sore throat
The flu (influenza):
Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs.
Flu is caused by the type A, type B or rarely the type C influenza virus. Only types A and B cause major outbreaks and severe disease, while type C can cause an illness in children similar to the common cold.
The symptoms of flu may include:
- fever
- dry, chesty cough
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or upset stomach
- sore throat
- runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite
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COVID-19:
The following symptoms are considered mild:
- mild upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as a congested or runny nose, sneezing, or a scratchy or sore throat
- cough
- new aches and pains, or lethargy or weakness without shortness of breath
- mild headache
- mild fever that responds to treatment
- loss of smell or taste
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
- no symptoms at all
The following symptoms are considered moderate:
- shortness of breath while walking around, such as noticeably having to breathe more heavily while walking around the house
- persistent fever above 38oC that's not responding to treatment
- persistent worsening cough that regularly produces mucus
- struggling to get out of bed and feeling dizzy or weak
The following symptoms are considered severe:
- breathlessness at rest and/or you're unable to speak in sentences
- being unconscious, fainting or drowsy
- skin turning blue or pale
- cold and clammy, or pale and mottled, skin
- pain or pressure in the chest lasting more than 10 minutes
- confusion
- passing no urine ('wee') or a lot less urine than usual
- coughing up blood
If symptoms persist, please seek professional medical advice.
Certain PCR test locations now check for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If you aren't sure, please call ahead and confirm if they test for the flu and RSV.
Where to get tested:
Moss Vale Histopath Pathology Drive-through and Walk-in Clinic, Lackey Park, 100 Lackey Road, Moss Vale.
Appointments are not required. Open between 8 am and 3 pm.
Mittagong Respiratory Clinic, 58 Bowral Road, Mittagong.
Appointments are required. Open between 8 am and 5 pm. Click here to make a booking.
Tahmoor Clinical Labs Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 158 Remembrance Driveway, Tahmoor.
Appointments are not required. Open Monday to Friday between 9 am - 4 pm and Saturday to Sunday between 9 am and 2 pm.
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