Summary
- 28 cases of the flu recorded across the region, 4 for the same period last year.
- vaccination remains our best protection against conditions.
Respiratory conditions are continuing to circulate across Cape York, the Torres Strait, and the Northern Peninsula Area, as they are across Queensland.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Marlow Coates said it was important residents took measures to protect themselves and others.
“Good hygiene is very important in preventing the spread of respiratory conditions such as common colds, influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV),’’ he said.
“Always wash your hands with sanitiser, cover your coughs, put tissues straight in the bin and stay away from other people if you or they are sick.
“Practising social distancing by staying at least 1.5 metres away will mean coughs and sneezes don’t reach another person’s face.
“Wearing a mask also is highly recommended to avoid transmitting a respiratory condition to others, or to protect yourself from people around you who might have a respiratory condition.
“If you get the flu, you should stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids until symptoms have resolved, which is usually 5-7 days.
“If you or your family member is getting sicker, they may have fast or difficult breathing, have chest pains, be sleepy or say they are getting worse.
“If this happens, they should go to their doctor or clinic, as you may be suitable to receive anti- viral treatment.
“But you should seek care early, especially if you have other chronic conditions, as antivirals are only effective if started early – within the first couple of days of symptoms.’’
“As always, vaccination remains our best protection against some respiratory conditions, such as influenza and COVID-19.
“I encourage all residents to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, are up to date. These can be accessed through our primary health care centres.
“The 2024 seasonal influenza vaccine will become available from April onwards and everyone should ensure they are vaccinated when it becomes available.
“Flu strains change annually, which is why a new vaccine comes out each year to cover the new strains.
“Each year’s seasonal flu vaccine is a safe vaccine for children and is offered annually to everyone older than six months of age.’’
The flu vaccine is free for people who are most at risk, including children aged 6 months to less than 5 years, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people aged 65 years and older, people who are pregnant, and people who have certain medical conditions.
Dr Coates said 28 cases of influenza had been recorded across the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area region so far this year, compared with four for the same year to date period last year.
For COVID-19, 73 cases had been reported so far this year, compared to 61 for the same period last year.
“We have also recorded 51 cases of RSV so far this year, compared to 13 cases for the same period last year,’’ he said.
“A single RSV infection does not result in long-lasting protective immunity, and symptomatic illness tends to occur repetitively in children.
“Symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, and headache.
“We encourage people to prevent the spread by practising good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette – just like for the flu and COVID-19"