The flu season is continuing to place strain on Wyndham’s health services, with close to 400 people diagnosed with influenza so far this year.
Victorian health department data shows that as of September 19, 398 Wyndham residents had been diagnosed with the flu, compared to just 260 people at the same time last year.
The data comes as health officials warn that this flu season is one of the worst on record, with 13,000 confirmed cases across the state.
Ten Victorians have died after developing the flu, including an eight-year-old girl from Melbourne’s south-east and a 30-year-old first-time dad from Bacchus Marsh.
Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department director John Pasco said the hospital had noticed an increase in people with respiratory infections presenting to the emergency department in the past three months, putting pressure on the hospital.
Dr Pasco said that between July 1 and September 18, 71 people had been admitted to the hospital with either influenza A or influenza B. In comparison, there were 43 admissions last year.
“The peak time for people with influenza presenting to Werribee Mercy Hospital is during August and September,” Dr Pasco said.
“There is no doubt that the increase in respiratory infection presentation and admissions in 2017 has put a strain on the hospital, with these patients requiring single rooms, where possible, to stop the spread of infection.”
Werribee GP Joe Garra said many of his patients had received the flu vaccination, however, people were still falling unwell. He said patients in nursing homes were among the worst affected.
“This is the first time I’ve ever had so many cases in nursing homes and a number of patients taken to hospital,” Dr Garra said.
Victoria’s chief health officer Charles Guest said with at least two months to go in the flu season it was important to remain vigilant.
“Common symptoms of the flu are sudden high fever, a dry cough, body aches, and feeling very tired and weak,” Professor Guest said.
“Anyone sick with the flu should avoid visiting loved ones in aged care or in hospital, as it can spread quickly and be very serious.”
