THERE has been a spike in the number of influenza cases confirmed at Bathurst Base Hospital, but the Western NSW Local Health District says there is no cause for alarm.
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Since the beginning of winter, there have been 59 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, compared to 19 across the same period in 2016.
A spokesperson for Western NSW LHD said that, despite some reports suggesting otherwise, the 2017 flu season wasn’t any more serious than the average year.
“The pattern of disease so far has been similar to previous years and is not unusual but for the earlier start which NSW Health expected,” they said.
Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord said the government was unprepared for the flu season this year and as a result had placed pressure on hospitals to meet the demands for treatment.
“NSW is on track to have one of the worst flu years on record- and the Berejiklian Government has been caught completely unprepared,” he said.
The Western NSW LHD spokesperson countered this, saying provisions were made to cater to more patients in winter.
“We have increased resources including staffing to manage demand,” they said.
“To suggest that the system is unprepared for this time of year, as per some claims in media, is simply incorrect.”
To ensure hospital resources are used effectively, people are asked to only seek treatment when necessary.
The Western NSW LHD spokesperson said there are certain symptoms that don’t require a visit to the hospital.
“If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms please see your family doctor first, or talk to your pharmacist. And if you are experiencing symptoms, stay at home to prevent the spread of infection to others,” they said.
“You can also use HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. This service is available day and night and will connect you with a health professional who can provide safe and practical healthcare advice.
“If a person is experiencing more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a sustained high temperature, they should go to their hospital emergency department.”
The spokesperson also said it is not too late for people to get a flu shot to reduce the risk of infection.
“It is definitely not too late to be vaccinated and vaccination is free for those in high risk groups including those with chronic conditions, the elderly, pregnant women and Aboriginal people,” they said.
