Parents are reminded that it’s not too late to vaccinate this year.
Although influenza activity is generally low across NSW local health districts, respiratory presentations to emergency departments are trending upwards.
Influenza A remains more common, especially the A(H1N1) strain.
One admitted child to Westmead, aged under five years who was unvaccinated, died from their influenza infection. This is the first child reported to die from influenza in NSW this year.
NSW Health’s latest influenza surveillance weekly report showed that in the week ending July 8, 2018, there were 35 cases of confirmed influenza in the South Eastern Sydney Health District – the 4th highest in NSW.
There were 831 presentations to hospital emergency departments, and a slight increase in presentations for all respiratory illness, fever and unspecified infections in the region.
Rhinovirus was again the most common respiratory virus identified, followed by respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of bronchiolitis in infants.
The NSW government is spending a record $22.75 million on state-wide immunisation programs which will assist with flu prevention this season.
This includes $3.5 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age and a $1.75 million immunisation and influenza prevention campaign.
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant says infants are particularly susceptible.
“Flu case numbers across the state are starting to rise and influenza A (H1N1), which mostly strikes children and young adults, is the key strain circulating in the community,” she said.
“This is an important reminder to parents who have not yet vaccinated their children that influenza can be life-threatening and it’s not too late to vaccinate.
“There are plentiful supplies of the free flu vaccination for under-fives, just call ahead to your GP to check they have it in stock or give them time to order more vaccines.”