THE region is in the midst of one of its worst flu seasons, with hospitals over the border and ambulances under increasing pressure from sick patients.
So far in 2017 there have been over 10,000 confirmed cases of influenza in Victoria, with many more notifications still expected.
Meanwhile, flu outbreaks, particularly in aged care facilities, are at very high levels.
Visiting the Royal Children’s Hospital last week, Victoria’s chief health officer Professor Charles Guest has called on all Victorians to take steps to protect their health and stop the spread of flu.
“The most common symptoms of the flue are sudden high fever, a dry cough, body aches and feeling very tired and weak,” he said.
“Infections in children may also be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“Most symptoms resolve within seven days, although the cough may persist for longer.”
Prof Guest said most otherwise healthy adults would be able to infect other people up to seven days after becoming sick.
“Anyone sick with the flu should avoid visiting loved ones in aged care or in hospital as it can spread quickly and be very serious for people most at risk, such as the elderly,” he said.
“Vaccination is also vital in stopping the spread of influenza – with about two months of the flu season to go it is still not too late to get your flu shot.”
