FLU CASES PLUMMET

Handful of cases thanks to hygiene

GEELONG has recorded just a handful of influenza cases so far this year, but doctors say residents should not be complacent.

Greater Geelong has recorded five influenza cases in 2021, according to Victorian Health Department data this week.

Over the same period in 2020 and 2019, it recorded 138 and 449 cases respectively.

Statewide, just 62 cases have been recorded this year, the data shows.

GEELONG has recorded just a handful of influenza cases so far this year, but doctors say residents should not be complacent.

Greater Geelong has recorded five influenza cases in 2021, according to Victorian health department data this week.

Over the same period in 2020 and 2019 it recorded 138 and 449 cases respectively.

Statewide, just 62 cases have been recorded so far this year, the data shows.

That compared with 4519 and 10,165 cases over the same period in 2020 and 2019 respectively.

Torquay GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said it was difficult to predict what the flu season would be like this year, but it was promising that numbers were low so far.

“It appears that changes in behaviour, such as hand hygiene and social distancing, may have reduced transmission of influenza virus as well as COVID-19,” Dr Stephenson said. “However, as COVID-19 restrictions relax, there is now likely to be a greater risk of contracting respiratory illnesses like flu as people start to move about and socialise.

“As always, it is important not to be complacent.

“People should continue to stay home if they are unwell and get tested for COVID-19 if symptoms appear.

“It is important to keep practising social distancing, wearing masks if you can’t socially distance and having good hand hygiene to protect everyone, especially vulnerable people, in our community.”

Dr Stephenson said it was very difficult to predict when the flu season would peak, but outbreaks tended to occur around winter and the colder weather.

Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Professor Eugene Athan said Barwon Health expected a spike in flu cases around July, which was in line with previous years.

“Barwon Health has commenced our flu vaccination program for both staff and the community, and the demand has been strong and building fast,” he said.

“We encourage everyone in the community to get their flu shot and ensure they take into account the waiting period of 14 days either side of a COVID-19 vaccination.”

Dr Stephenson said demand had been strong for flu vaccinations.

“We encourage the community to get their flu vaccinations,” she said.