NSW Health figures show there have been 2708 confirmed flu cases across the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) from January to August 28, 2017.

That’s well above the 750 cases for the same period in 2016 – representing a more than 260 per cent increase.

The figures started to rise in June this year with 52 cases, which rose to 655 cases in July and then spiralled to 1798 cases in August.

Many of these end up in the region’s hospitals, with a NSW Health spokesperson confirming there had been more than 100 additional ambulance presentations to EDs every week for the past three weeks. 

‘’On these days of heavy demand our focus has been providing care to those who need it most,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘’Despite the increased demand, the transfer of patients from ambulance paramedics to emergency department staff has been just as quick as the same time last year.’’

However relief may be in sight, with NSW Health indicating that the flu season may have already peaked.

‘’Due to the early start of the flu season it is unlikely that high levels of flu transmission will continue into September, as has been the case in recent years,’’ the spokesperson said.

NSW Labor is calling on state and federal governments to rethink their approach to flu in light of the figures. Statewide there’s been 48,006 cases so far this year, compared to 35,538 for the whole of 2016.

Labor’s health spokesman Walt Secord said free flu vaccinations should also be made available for aged care workers – with 291 outbreaks in NSW nursing homes this year affecting 3838 residents and resulting in 342 hospitalisations and 96 deaths.

‘’The state and federal governments have dropped the ball on responding to the 2017 flu season. They were caught completely off-guard,’’ Mr Secord said.

The NSW Health spokesperson said its flu campaign costing more than $200,000 had started in May, to urge those eligible for the free vaccine to get vaccinated.

This includes those who are pregnant; over 65; with severe asthma, diabetes and heart conditions; as well as Aboriginal people aged six months to five years and over 15. NSW Health employees are also eligible.

‘’NSW has the most sophisticated flu surveillance system in Australia,’’ the spokesperson said.  ‘’This year’s influenza season has been challenging across the eastern states, as is the case most years, and is not only confined to NSW.’’

Reducing the demand on EDs

NSW Health is urging residents to consider if local services, such as GPs or pharmacists, are more appropriate places to seek care before dialling Triple 0.

Healthdirect Australia (1800 022 222) – a free telephone triage and advice line staffed by registered nurses 24/7 – is another option.

A spokesperson said vaccination remained the best protection against flu and it was not too late to vaccinate this season.

Other prevention measures included regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and asking sick people to stay away until they were well.