While Murrumbidgee Local Health District has confirmed there has been an increase in influenza and other respiratory conditions like COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it has been unable to provide statistics specific to individual hospitals.
The latest district wide reports were last updated on June 22.
They report a three per cent increase in positive influenza testing from the previous week’s report, and an increase in presentations to emergency departments.
“COVID-19 activity remains stable at high levels,” the report says.
“Influenza activity is at a high level and continues to increase, with the number of presentations to emergency departments increasing and the number of influenza notifications also increasing.
“Test positivity for influenza, which is a key indicator of activity, has increased to 18.9 per cent.
“RSV activity, which is still high, is slowly declining.
“Pertussis and pneumonia continue to be unseasonably high in school aged children.”
NSW Health is strongly urging the community to stay up to date with their vaccinations to protect themselves and others as the flu season begins, and notifications of respiratory viruses rise across the state.
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said cases are expected to surge rapidly throughout winter.
“With all three viruses in circulation, we also want to remind the community that symptomatic people should stay at home and wear a mask if they do need to go out.
“They should avoid visiting high-risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities.”
There are a few simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, including:
• stay up to date with your recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
• stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home
• get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
• consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
• talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
• don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza.
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