A spike in flu cases in the ACT in recent weeks has signalled the start of influenza season as health authorities urged Canberrans it wasn't too late to vaccinate against the virus.
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ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, said 20 per cent of the reported 200 influenza cases since the start of the year had been reported in the past fortnight.
"Cases of influenza reported to ACT Health have started to increase over the last couple of weeks, indicating that the flu season has arrived.
Dr Kelly said the annual flu vaccine was one of the best ways to protect against influenza, especially for people at high risk of complications such young children, the elderly and pregnant women.
He advised it wasn't too late to get the flu shot to protect against the illness this season and the vaccine was available from GPs, primary health providers, corporate medical services and at pharmacies across the ACT for adults.
Influenza is a highly contagious viral illness that can affect people of all ages. It is spread person to person by virus-containing respiratory droplets, produced during coughing or sneezing.
The influenza virus can survive for more than eight hours on hard surfaces such as a lift button or light switch, a telephone, photocopier or the handle of a supermarket trolley.
Canberrans could take simple steps to minimise the spread of flu if they showed symptoms of the virus including a cough, fever or tiredness, he said.
That included staying away from childcare, school, work and other social activities until you felt better, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, as well as throwing tissues in the bin immediately after use.
"Touching contaminated surfaces, including hands, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes can also lead to infection, so wash your hands regularly with soap and water and/or use an alcohol based hand rub," Dr Kelly said.
