INFLUENZA cases dropped dramatically in the Western NSW Local Health District this season and officials believe the peak for the virus has officially come to an end.
The region recorded 35 positive influenza cases between January and September compared with an average 114 cases for the same period in the past five years.
Though the local health authority did not provide the number of influenza cases for each year for a fair assessment, it said the virus took only one life in the current season compared with 29 lives the year before.
One person died from influenza in 2016, whereas no deaths were reported in 2015 and 2014 in the region.
“The flu season has been much milder this year and influenza case numbers continue to remain low in NSW, including across WNSWLHD,” a spokesperson said.
“There are many possible explanations for the milder flu season but one important factor is the increased number of people getting their annual flu shot this year.
“However, the flu season is not over yet and anyone who is yet to have the flu shot can still arrange to get one through their GP or a pharmacist.”
The WNSWLHD said about 145,000 doses of influenza vaccine were provided for the health district staff – an increase of 30 per cent on 2017
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The flu cases have also come down across the state this year.
NSW registered 28 outbreaks of influenza between January and September this year compared with 588 influenza outbreaks during the corresponding period last year.
There were 279 flu outbreaks in 2016, 103 in 2015, 120 in 2014 and 12 in 2013.
Influenza case numbers continue to remain low in NSW.
WNSWLHD spokesperson
NSW Health acting executive director for health protection, Vicky Sheppeard, said respiratory presentations at hospitals are now on the decline.
“NSW looks set to experience its mildest flu season in five years, with the peak now over,” she said.
“There were 828 flu cases confirmed across the state in the week ending September 23, well below the 6201 in the same period last year.”
She, however, suggested people remain cautious.
The government said the flu vaccine was free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, most Indigenous people and those who are aged 65 years or more, or for those who have medical conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
This story Region successfully ducked influenza this season and peaks over first appeared on Western Advocate.
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