The number of flu outbreaks in residential care facilities in the region has climbed to 29 this year, according to the public health unit.
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That includes at least two aged care homes which have been forced to isolate residents with flu symptoms, and shut down public onsite facilities such as cafes, in order to stop the spread of infection.
Marco Polo Aged Care Services in Unanderra has had one building in lockdown since the June long weekend after 20 residents, and 20 staff, fell ill with flu-like symptoms. Five residents were hospitalised, and three have died.
Warrigal's Albion Park Rail Aged Care home has also taken measures to restrict access, with eight residents and one employee exhibiting flu symptoms. Seven of those residents have had the flu vaccine.
"When this occurs Warrigal puts that facility on restricted access, including closing public facilities such as cafes and advising visitors and contractors to reschedule visits where possible," a Warrigal spokeswoman said.
"Warrigal's procedures include notifying the Department of Health and carefully monitoring the health of all residents, in conjunction with their doctor, if required."
Both Warrigal and Marco Polo have provided a free staff flu vaccination program, and residents have also been offered flu vaccinations through their GP prior to the season.
Marco Polo manager Robert O'Shea urged people to get the flu shot, and to stay away from care facilities if they were ill. As of Friday, he said, no residents or staff had flu symptoms and any restrictions had been lifted.
"We have 160 residents and we managed to contain it, after 20 residents were affected," he said. "Now we will debrief to see what we did right, and where we could have improved, as we head into what is one of the worst flu seasons I've ever seen."
So far this year there's been more than 1170 confirmed flu cases across the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District - nearly 500 of those recorded in June. From January to June 2018, there'd been just 164 confirmed cases.
ISLHD public health director Curtis Gregory has advised facilities to notify the unit as early as possible, so they could put strategies in place immediately to control the spread of infection, and to help those affected.
NSW Health claims the annual flu shot is the best protection against flu, and it's free for those aged over 65, pregnant women, children under five, Aboriginal people and medically at-risk groups.
Simple hygiene measures, like sneezing into your elbow and washing your hands, and staying home from work when sick are also advised.