National Death Toll from FLU Nears 300

According to the federal health department there have been 287 deaths nationally from a reported 131,000 cases. Most recently a teenager from Melbourne and a toddler from Western Australia.

In NSW there have been 26 outbreaks in state aged-care facilities last week alone. The elderly and infirm are very vulnerable to the flu and can cause serious and debilitating complications such as pneumonia, so the flu vaccine is a valuable tool in protecting the elderly. Visitors who are unwell should delay their visits for the safety of their loved ones.

The virus spreads with human contact and can survive up to 48 hours on smoother surfaces such as door handles, play equipment and table tops. The government has promoted behaviours that will help reduce flu cases if followed.

                                                                                   Source: South Australian flu prevention campaign

Some tips to avoid the flu are:
Get vaccinated! Keep at least one meter away from people who have flu-like symptoms, regularly clean commonly touched surfaces, wash your hands, cover sneezes, stay home from work or school if you are sick.

Read more at The Guardian.