INFLUENZA cases in the North East are on the way up with more than 500 cases, Wodonga being the greatest with 349 cases confirmed by the Victorian Department of Health.
Rural City of Wangaratta had 36 cases until Friday, 20 June, Wodonga 349, Alpine Shire 20, Indigo Shire 30, Benalla Rural City 17, Mansfield Shire 47, and Strathbogie Shire 36.
Confirmed influenza cases in Wangaratta hit 190 in each of the 2023 and 2024 years, up from 175 in 2022, and lows in the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021 (1 case) and 2020 (11 cases), and an all-time high in 2019 (373 cases).
Wodonga's high number is on track to break last year's high of 653 confirmed influenza cases.
A Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) spokesperson told this masthead they’re starting to see signs of flu and other respiratory illnesses in the community, which is typical for this time of year.
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“It's a good time to remind everyone to look after their health and wellbeing," she said.
"Stay home if you're unwell, rest, stay hydrated and practise good hygiene.
“There are also plenty of options for support that don't involve a trip to the emergency department.
“Services like Victorian Virtual Emergency Department can help people access care and advice from home, which can be a great first step if you're unsure what to do.
“Their team of nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors can provide medical assistance without needing to leave your home."
For further information or to access this service visit www.vved.org.au
You can also contact Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or your GP.
As of Friday there were 299 active covid cases in Victoria.
Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, the department is authorised by law to collect information from doctors and laboratories about diagnoses of certain health-related conditions in Victoria.
The law exists to monitor and control the occurrence of infectious diseases and other specified conditions, and helps to prevent further illness.
Until 15 June some 2.1 million people had been vaccinated for influenza in Victoria, including 84,792 under 5 years old, 1.253 million aged 5-64, and 770,371 who were 65-plus.
