By Meg Kennedy<\/p>\n
Moorabool residents are being urged to get their flu shot and practise good hygiene, following what is predicted to be one of the worst flu seasons ever in Victoria.
\nThe peak for flu season is usually June to September; yet a grim start has already begun, with the number of state-wide influenza deaths already at 26.
\nLocal health services Ballan District Health and Care and Djerriwarrh Health Services in Bacchus Marsh have urged residents to act this flu season.
\nBallan District Health and Care has flu shots for $15, available until January 2020.
\nThe service says that \u201cgood hand hygiene and cough etiquette\u201d is essential advice.
\n\u201cCompared to this time last year, there have been a higher number of flu-related deaths\u2026there have already been children among the 26 people in Victoria whose deaths have been attributed to the early-starting flu season,\u201d said a spokesperson for BDHC.
\nThe service also noted there has been a reduction in children getting the flu shot this year compared to 2018.
\n\u201cNot only is the flu shot free for children between 6 months and 5 years, having the flu shot could save their life.\u201d
\nDjerriwarrh Health urged Bacchus Marsh residents to get their flu vaccine earlier than usual this year after a \u201cterrible start\u201d to the season in Victoria.
\n\u201cThis flu season is looking to be worse than any in the last five years\u2026[and] the worst in recent memory,\u201d said a spokesperson.
\n\u201cThere have already been 40,000 cases of influenza recorded in Australia, with 26 deaths and three Residential Aged Care Facilities closed due to flu outbreak.\u201d
\n\u201cThere are a number of places to be vaccinated including the local pharmacies, at the local clinics and at Djerriwarrh Health Services.\u201d
\nThe service also urged people who are feeling unwell to stay at home, rest, have plenty of fluids and see their doctor.
\n\u201cIn order to make sure people don\u2019t expose others who may be vulnerable or at increased risk of catching the flu such as people undergoing chemotherapy, the very young and the very old, the doctors clinic should be notified of the reason for the visit so they can put precautions in place for your visit.\u201d
\nFlu shots are only $15 for adults and free for children between 6-months to 5-years old from Ballan District Health & Care.
\nYou can call the GP Clinic on (03) 5366 7999 to make an appointment.
\nFlu shots around the Bacchus Marsh area are available at local GP clinics, local pharmacies and Djerriwarrh Health Services clinics.
\nFor more information, visit https:\/\/www.djhs.org.au\/\/home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Meg Kennedy Moorabool residents are being urged to get their flu shot and practise good hygiene, following what is predicted to be one of the worst flu seasons ever in Victoria. The peak for flu season is usually June to September; yet a grim start has already begun, with the number of state-wide influenza […]<\/p>\n