BE ON FLU ALERT, SAYS EXPERT

GEELONG has recorded fewer than half the number of flu cases it had this time last year but experts warn we still have not reached the season’s peak.

Vic Health figures reveal the Greater Geelong region recorded 95 cases of influenza between January 1 and July 29, compared with 256 cases for the same time period last year.

The drop comes after year-on-year figures at the end of June had the region four cases shy of the same time in 2017, seemingly on track for another horror season.

But Barwon Health director of infectious diseases Eugene Athan cautioned flu season was set to peak in the final weeks of winter, and could possibly extend into September.

“The flu season will peak this month and certain people are at higher risk of severe complications associated with flu such as pregnant women, people aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children younger than five years of age and people with chronic medical conditions,” Associate Professor Athan said.

“Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent flu and there is still time for people who remain unvaccinated to talk to a health professional about having a flu shot.

“People who contract the flu should stay home, avoid going to work or school and practise food hand hygiene.”

Prof Athan said the reduction in flu cases recorded across the region so far this year would be attributed to “extensive exposure” and “immunity” to the same flu strains as last year, along with higher vaccination rates.