GRPHU – Quarterly Report – Winter 2023

Winter is a time for increased transmission of respiratory illnesses

• Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection, which can range from mild to severe illness, and life-threatening complications including pneumonia​
• Getting the flu vaccine each year and practising hand and respiratory hygiene is the best way to prevent flu infection
• We are yet to reach peak flu season this winter, but flu cases in Gippsland appear lower compared to the same time last year

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• RSV is the most common cause of respiratory and breathing infections in children
• It is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 1 year old
• RSV can affect people of all ages and may cause severe disease in the elderly and those who are immunocompromised
• 61% of Gippsland RSV cases in 2023 have been in children aged 0-4

Protect yourself this Winter

• Keep up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations – check in with your GP​
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hand​
• Regularly wash hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser​
• When unwell, stay home and avoid contact with high-risk groups, such as infants, young children, older people and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system.