Flu season in NSW has started early this year; with its number nearly doubled.

The increased numbers are due to the improved ability to track, diagnose and attack the influenza virus.  

“The flu season is expected to peak in the coming weeks, so now is a good time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so,” Director Communicable Disease, NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

“Our surveillance shows the flu season started earlier than usual this year and we expect to see a large increase in infections in the coming weeks,” she added. 

NSW Health received more than 6000 flu notifications this year, which include the 2576 notifications in June. This is almost double of its notifications in the previous year. 

The better system will enable doctors to predict severity and timing of the future flu seasons. 

“Influenza epidemics occur every year, but it’s impossible to predict their severity and timing. That’s why our real-time tracking systems are important in understanding how flu progresses through the season,” Dr Sheppeard said. 

For all residents in NSW, a free vaccine through a visit to the local doctor is being highly recommended. 

Flu vaccine is free for people in the higher-risk groups. This includes pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease and Aboriginal people between six months to five years, or over 15. 

Local doctor, GP or even chemists can be seen to have access to this year’s flu vaccine, which covers four influenza strains circulating in Australia.