Warning as flu cases rise, hospital visits squeeze NSW health system Achi-News

Authorities have warned serious cases of flu have jumped by 33% across New South Wales, leaving a growing number of sick people in emergency rooms.

The number of flu cases and hospital presentations has risen in a week, according to the latest NSW respiratory health surveillance report.

The increasing flu activity is not only worrying, it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks, NSW Health Protection Director Dr Jeremy McNulty said.

“The flu is more serious than a cold,” he said.

“It can cause pneumonia, worsen chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung and heart disease to much more requiring hospitalization and cause death.

“Complications can occur in anyone, but they are most likely in those at higher risk of severe disease.”

The country’s health authority urged everyone to get vaccinated – especially those who are at higher risk of serious illness.

People at the highest risk are eligible for free vaccinations and include people over 65, children aged six months to five, Indigenous people aged six months and over, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders and severe asthma.

“Vaccination is the best defense against infection and serious disease,” McNulty said.

“By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”

NSW residents experiencing flu-like symptoms are asked to avoid visiting dangerous settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities and crowded spaces.

People should also practice good hand hygiene, rethink visiting high-risk people, and visit a doctor if they themselves are at high risk of serious illness. ,

“If you have flu symptoms, it’s important to stay home and avoid contact with others until after your symptoms have passed,” McNulty said.