A $1.75 million campaign to tackle the flu season will urge people to get their jab early and clean their hands regularly to avoid a repeat of last year’s influenza epidemic in Young.
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According to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard more than 128,000 people in NSW were affected by influenza last year and some simple steps can help prevent it in 2018.
NSW Health’s Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said frequent hand washing is one of the first lines of defence against another flu epidemic, together with early vaccination.
“The World Health Organisation advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the four circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year,” Dr Chant said.
“We urge people to get their flu jab when the vaccine is available in April to ensure they are protected ahead of time, as the vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective.”
Flu shots are free for pregnant women, children up to five years of age and people over 65-years-of-age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
How you can help fight the spread of flu: get your flu shot, cough and sneeze into your elbow, clean your hands, stay home when sick.
