NSW Health’s latest influenza report listed more than 3300 cases of influenza in the state for the week ending August 21 and there were 22 new respiratory outbreaks in aged care facilities and two in boarding schools.

However, Surveillance and Public Health clinical nurse consultant Cathie Hallahan said in that seven day period there were 28 cases of influenza reported in the Western NSW and Far West Local Health Districts.

Only two of those cases were people in the Orange postcode but there may be more with the illness whose cases were not confirmed or who did not seek medical help. 

“Emergency Department data indicates there have been five people present to the Orange Emergency Department in the seven days [from August 24] with influenza-like-illness,” she said.

“This is slightly above but not significantly different than expected for this time of year.

“The Public Health Unit have not received reports of influenza outbreaks in Orange.”

According to NSW Health most current cases in NSW are caused by the influenza A(H3N2) strain, which is covered by the 2016 seasonal influenza vaccine and is most severe among small children and older people when it is the predominant strain.

NSW Health’s Communicable Diseases director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said by August 16 there had been 79 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities, affecting about 942 staff and residents, with 45 deaths reported in elderly residents who had significant underlying illness.

A Uniting spokeswoman speaking on behalf of Uniting Wontama aged care home in Orange said although flu-like symptoms were not an unusual occurrence in the in the colder months, the facility was not among those that had to escalate to a respiratory outbreak status.

“Uniting staff implement protocols in consultation with NSW Health to prevent spread and incidence of influenza,” she said.

“We take a proactive approach to prevention; Uniting Wontama offers flu vaccines to residents and staff, and ensures prompt treatment for residents with possible symptoms.

“We also have signage at front doors to request persons entering the building to delay their visit if they have any flu-like symptoms.”

The Public Health message is for people to recognise the symptoms early and take appropriate action.

Public Health urges people to see their GP if symptoms become worse.

People who have a higher risk of complications from influenza include:

People should their doctor before attending so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people

The public can also take action to stop the spread of influenza. Remember to:

The symptoms of influenza are usually managed by:

Influenza is a vaccine-preventable illness but a vaccine is needed each year because influenza viruses change constantly.

The nfluenza vaccination is available for anyone aged six months and over. Public Health recommends people at higher risk of influenza complications have an annual influenza vaccination.