Logan residents are being urged to get their flu vaccine as winter begins.
The latest Queensland Health acute respiratory infection surveillance report shows Metro South had recorded 2010 influenza notifications this year to 24 May, including 30 cases in the week from 18 to 24 May.
Statewide, Queensland had recorded 9393 flu notifications this year, with activity still considered low compared with previous years.
Metro South Health Public Health Unit physician Bhakti Vasant said annual vaccination remained one of the best ways for residents to protect themselves and others.
“The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated every year and practise good hygiene,” Dr Vasant said.
“Flu viruses continue to evolve which is why it’s important to get a yearly flu vaccination.”
Flu activity usually increases during winter and the virus can cause mild to severe illness, with some people requiring hospital care.
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with heart, lung or immune system conditions are among those at higher risk.
Free flu vaccines are available to Queenslanders aged six months and older until 30 September, with no Medicare card required.
A free nasal spray vaccine is also available for children aged two to five and for children and young people aged six to 17 who struggle with needles.
New research from The Royal Children’s Hospital’s National Child Health Poll suggests needle fear and confusion about flu vaccination remain barriers for many families heading into winter.
The poll, which surveyed 2008 parents across Australia about 3348 children, found 38% of parents said fear of needles made it difficult to get their child vaccinated against the flu.
Among parents who had not yet vaccinated their children, 29% said they would be more likely to do so if an intranasal vaccine was available.
The poll also found 36% of Queensland parents were aware of the intranasal flu vaccine, while only 24% knew it was free for their child.
Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll director Dr Anthea Rhodes said influenza was often underestimated by families.
“Influenza is often underestimated by families, but every year we see healthy children become seriously ill from the flu and requiring hospital care,” Dr Rhodes said.
“Protecting your children from the flu helps protect the whole family – and now is the perfect time to get everyone vaccinated.”
Logan and Beaudesert Health Service Infection Prevention Nurse Manager Tain Gardiner said everyone had a role to play in keeping the community safe.
“Locally we have seen ongoing presentations of people with varicella, pertussis and across the state we have seen an increase in presentations of measles,” Ms Gardiner said.
“We know Logan is home to a beautifully diverse population and in order to keep ourselves, our family members and our friends safe, we must talk about the importance of vaccinations, particularly before travel.”
Springwood resident Stephanie Masters said she got vaccinated each year to help protect her family.
“I get the flu vaccination every year since having kids, because we already get so many viruses from daycare and school,” she said.
“The more we can prevent, the better.”
Queensland Health advises residents to reduce the spread of flu by staying home when sick, washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and improving ventilation.
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