Logan residents can help stop the spread of the flu this winter by following a few simple steps and getting immunised.
With the official start of winter just weeks away, the number of flu cases reported across the Metro South region is already significantly higher than this time last year.
The numbers have prompted a call to all residents to get their flu vaccine now, to stay at home if unwell and to their wash hands regularly to help everyone stay healthy.
Metro South Health Public Health Unit’s Dr Bhakti Vasant said the flu affected people in different ways, and while we had not yet seen the peak of flu in our region, it was important to get immunised to protect yourself and your loved ones.
She said the northern hemisphere had recently experienced a severe flu season with high numbers of cases, hospitalisations and deaths in some regions.
“We have already recorded around 3500 cases of influenzathis year with Influenza A appearing the most dominant strain in Metro South and the rest of Queensland,” Dr Vasant said.
The message from the Public Health Unit is simple: Take advantage of Queensland’s FREE flu vaccine and if you do get sick, wash your hands regularly, cough or sneeze into tissues, and keep your distance from others.
Logan Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultant Tain Gardiner said everyone had a role to play in keeping the community safe.
“Cleaning your hands properly stops the spread of germs that can make people sick,” she said.“
At Logan Hospital, the Infection Prevention and Management team works hand-in-hand with staff to uphold the highest standards of hand hygiene to keep you safe."
“With World Hand Hygiene Day almost upon us, we are busy spreading the message that clean hands save lives,” Tain said.
“Hand cleaning should occur after coughing or sneezing, when hands are visibly dirty, before and after eating, and after using the toilet.
”As well as educating staff about hand hygiene, Tain and her team also deliver flu vaccinations to hospital workers.
She said it was encouraging to see Logan Hospital staff leading by example, with more than 1000 health professionals already vaccinated.
Clinical Nurse Robert Prins was among the first to take advantage of the hospital's free flu vaccination program.
Robert said getting the flu vaccine was his way of protecting himself, his loved ones, and the broader community — especially the very young and the elderly.
“Those who can get the flu vaccine, should!” he said.