NT Department of Health is issuing an alert to Territorians that the 2015 flu season has arrived.
“Case numbers of influenza have been increasing across the NT since late July and the season is now upon us,” said Acting Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Peter Markey.
“Surveillance of laboratory results and other data has shown that it is likely to be a moderate season, but this year there has been particularly high rates of influenza in those aged 5-19 years.”
“Influenza can be very severe and debilitating and should be taken seriously.”
Influenza spreads easily from person to person and it is advisable to practice safe hygiene to prevent the spread of infection by coughing or sneezing into your upper arm, washing your hands frequently and staying home from work or school if you are unwell.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus infection that causes fever, runny nose, headache and severe muscle aches. People often end up in bed for several days and some people can develop serious complications requiring hospitalisation. Deaths do occur from influenza.
Although anti-viral medication can be given once someone has developed the flu, vaccination is the best way to stop you from catching it. The more people who are vaccinated, the less chance the illness spreads throughout the rest of the community.
The advice to be vaccinated applies particularly to people at increased risk of serious complications of influenza. The main at-risk groups include pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged 6 months to <5 years and 15 years of age and over, anyone 65 years and over and anyone 6 months and over with chronic medical conditions including those with diabetes, kidney, heart or lung diseases and people with impaired immunity from medication or cancer.
“Everyone who wants to protect themselves from influenza should be vaccinated.”
“See your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are unvaccinated to receive your flu vaccine in order to protect yourself and the community from the spread of influenza infection.”
For further information about influenza and the vaccine, please visit here or speak to your healthcare provider.
Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954