tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
THE flu virus has hit Diamond Valley residents hard this year with more than triple the number of cases diagnosed compared to 2010.
Doctors have warned vulnerable groups, including elderly residents, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women, to have their flu shot now.
Health Department figures show there were 723 laboratory diagnosed cases of flu across the state in the seven months to July 12, compared to 234 in the same period of 2010.
Nillumbik figures are even more pronounced with 24 cases this year compared to only two a year ago. In Banyule, three times as many residents have caught the flu this season, with 18 diagnosed cases, up from five last year.
Eltham Clinic GP Richard Harrison said there had been a ?noticeable? increase in the flu this year. But the present outbreak has not reached the extraordinary levels of 2009 when swine flu ripped through Victoria, infecting thousands.
?It is looking like it will be more severe than last year,? Dr Harrison said. ?The flu is not like the common cold. It is much more serious, especially for people in high-risk categories.?
http://diamond-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/valley-flu-cases-on-surge/
Doctors have warned vulnerable groups, including elderly residents, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women, to have their flu shot now.
Health Department figures show there were 723 laboratory diagnosed cases of flu across the state in the seven months to July 12, compared to 234 in the same period of 2010.
Nillumbik figures are even more pronounced with 24 cases this year compared to only two a year ago. In Banyule, three times as many residents have caught the flu this season, with 18 diagnosed cases, up from five last year.
Eltham Clinic GP Richard Harrison said there had been a ?noticeable? increase in the flu this year. But the present outbreak has not reached the extraordinary levels of 2009 when swine flu ripped through Victoria, infecting thousands.
?It is looking like it will be more severe than last year,? Dr Harrison said. ?The flu is not like the common cold. It is much more serious, especially for people in high-risk categories.?
http://diamond-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/valley-flu-cases-on-surge/