The illnesses have struck offices and classrooms across Bathurst and laid low dozens of people.

Western NSW Local Health District communicable diseases co-ordinator Priscilla Stanley said it was critical for sick people to stay at home to stop the spread of these illnesses. 

She said even at this late stage in winter people are being struck down with influenza, and she encourages people to get vaccinated.

“We have seen an increase in the past couple of weeks across all age groups, in particular young adults through to middle-aged people,” she said.

“This makes it all the more important to stay at home.”

Ms Stanley said good hygiene and healthy behaviours would help minimise the risk.

She said there has not been any increase in hospitalisations from influenza, however, the unit is remaining vigilant and monitoring cases. 

“Unfortunately when people aren’t well they still want to ‘soldier on’,” she said.

“We advise them to stay at home for at least 24 hours after their temperature has gone down because they are still contagious.”

Ms Stanley said the health service is urging people to present to their GP rather than hospital Emergency Departments if at all possible.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is also making the rounds in Bathurst, and the communicable diseases unit is keeping a close eye on its spread.

Whooping cough is a notifiable disease in all Australian states and territories. 

This means that doctors, hospitals and laboratories are required by law to let the local public health unit know about each new case that is diagnosed.

Whooping cough starts like a cold with a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a mild fever and an occasional cough. 

The cough usually gets worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing develop. This can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking big gasping breaths, which causes the “whooping” sound. 

The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night. 

In babies, the infection can be life threatening.

Ms Stanley said the disease is not called The 100 Day Cough for nothing.

“People with whooping cough will cough and cough and cough,” she said. “We are particularly concerned about people who may have whooping cough being around unvaccinated babies.

“Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay right away from hospitals and nursing homes where people are particularly vulnerable.”