The Southern NSW Health District is urging the community members to get a flu injection ahead of the upcoming peak flu season.
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Director of Public Health Tracey Oakman said it was particularly important that vulnerable people, such as the elderly, pregnant women, Indigenous people, young children and anyone with an underlying medical condition, take extra care in protecting against influenza.
Flu symptoms include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and a dry cough, which are generally more intense and start more suddenly than cold symptoms.
The Health District advised that colds are often milder than the flu and symptoms develop over a longer period.
It is advised the following precautions are undertaken:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water;
- Turn away from others and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, or if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow;
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or have a fever;
- Stay at home if you are sick and keep sick children at home from school and other activities.
Mrs Oakman reminded those visiting friends and family in hospitals or aged care facilities to practice good hygiene by using the alcohol based gel or foam provided to reduce the spread of germs.
People who have flu symptoms should postpone visits to hospitals or aged care facilities until they have completely recovered.