As winter approaches, Western Health is warning about a rise in flu and other respiratory illnesses and urging residents in the western suburbs to get vaccinated.
This year, there’s extra concern due to the combined risk of the flu, RSV and whooping cough, with flu cases already on the rise.
According to Western Health, there’s been 3356 flu cases in the western suburbs as of May 10, an 82 per cent increase on the 1849 cases recorded to the same point last year.
Western Health director Dr Finn Romanes said vaccines were the best way to protect yourself and your family.
“Vaccination is still the best defence we have against getting seriously sick over the coming months,” said Dr Romanes, adding that getting young children vaccinated was especially important.
“Children under five risk serious illness from the flu. A flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child.”
The flu vaccine is free for children aged six months to under five.
Dr Romanes said pregnant women were also at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory illnesses and recommended they get vaccinated for flu, RSV and whooping cough.
“These vaccines help stop serious illness in the mother and give the baby some protection in their first few months.”
Older people are another cohort at increased risk from respiratory illnesses, with Dr Romanes recommending those aged 65 to 74 get a flu and covid vaccine every year and those aged 75 and older get a covid booster every six months.
