Flu warning as cases rise – bay 93.9

A fresh push for locals to get a flu vaccine, following a sharp increase in cases across the region.

Greater Geelong has had 685 reported cases of influenza so far this year.

Dr Akhta Hussain from Barwon Health said a serious rise in flu cases could lead to the health system being overwhelmed.

And he said flu was on the rise particularly among children.

“Winter is still there – we have a couple of more months (of winter)” Dr Hussain said.

“You might have seen the recent advisory that came out from the Chief Health Officer about asking parents to go and get their kids vaccinated, particularly those who are younger than five-years old.”

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, body aches, tiredness, sore throat and runny nose.

Barwon Health again urged people to stay home if they were feeling sick.