An increase in influenza around the nation has made its way to the NT.
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Reporting of flu in Katherine has increased by almost four times the amount of last year.
The health department is urging people to make sure they have their 2017 flu vaccination, and if not vaccinated yet, to get it as soon as possible.
Centre for Disease Control director Vicki Krause said now is the time to get vaccinated.
“It is particularly important for those most likely to become seriously ill from flu, including pregnant women, anyone with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, heart, kidney or lung diseases, Indigenous people and the elderly,” Dr Krause said.
“Your flu vaccination needs to be updated each year. Without getting the 2017 flu vaccine, you are more likely to catch this year’s strain of the virus.”
“The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so you cannot catch the flu from it. The vaccination is safe and effective in preventing severe illness caused by the Influenza infection. It takes around two weeks before the body is protected after vaccination,” she said.
Flu causes high fevers, runny nose, headache, severe muscle and joint aches. It can also cause a cough and sore throat.
“Often people will end up in bed for several days missing work or not able to enjoy their holidays. Unfortunately some people get severe complications and need to be admitted to hospital,” Dr Krause said.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick. Getting vaccinated also helps the community. The more people who are vaccinated, the lower the chance for the illness to spread to others in the community who might suffer more serious problems from the flu."
“The virus spreads easily from person to person particularly on the hands, as well as through the air, so it is important that everyone covers their cough, by coughing into their upper arm or if using tissues disposing of them in a bin immediately, and wash their hands regularly.”
The 2017 vaccine is free for those most at risk of severe disease:
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Indigenous people aged between 6 months to less than 5 years and 15 years and over
- Older individuals (aged 65 years and older) and
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Everyone is encouraged to visit their General Practitioner, Aboriginal Medical Clinic, vaccine-providing pharmacy or local clinic to receive the vaccine.
