Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Andrew Pengilley and ACT Medicare Local Chair, Dr Rashmi Sharma advises that the ACT health sector is well prepared for winter and asks all ACT residents to assist with minimising the impact of infectious disease over the winter months.
“Each year outbreaks of infectious disease such as influenza and gastroenteritis occur in the ACT over winter. These outbreaks increase rates of illness and place an additional burden on general practices, residential aged care facilities, public health units and hospitals,” Dr Pengilley said.
Significant winter planning and collaboration has been undertaken by the ACT Health sector including ACT Medicare Local, the Canberra and Calvary Hospitals with plans in place to manage additional demands on the ACTs hospitals and Emergency Departments.
“Infectious disease activity fluctuates each year so unfortunately we won’t know the full impact of infectious disease for the 2014 winter until the peak of the winter season, which usually occurs around August, each year. It is for this reason that collaboration with partners across the ACT health sector to develop a winter plan is of critical importance,” Dr Pengilley said.
Dr Pengilley recommends that all ACT residents prepare for winter months. He says “Annual vaccination is still the most effective measure for preventing influenza and reducing the impact of outbreaks and preventing epidemics. It’s not too late to have a flu vaccination from your GP if you haven’t already done so.”
Influenza vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program to adults aged 65 years or over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 15 years or over or indigenous individuals aged 6 months or over with medical conditions predisposing tem to severe influenza, all pregnant women and individuals aged 6 months and older with medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.
ACT Medicare Local Chair Dr Rashmi Sharma, reminds ACT residents that if they experience influenza-like symptoms the best option is to visit their GP. “Your GP is able to provide you with the best continuity of care at your ‘patient-centred medical home’, they will know your medical history, and will be able to link you up with additional health professionals if required.” For after hours medical assistance for non-urgent matters visit: www.afterhoursact.com.au.
“Other simple ways of preventing the spread of infectious disease include measures that limit person to person spread such as covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands regularly, disposing of tissues as soon as you use them and limiting your contact with others when you are unwell,” Dr Sharma said.
More information on the 2014 winter plan and Information sheets on influenza and gastroenteritis can be accessed on the ACT Health website: www.health.act.gov.au. For more information on getting immunised, contact your GP or the Immunisation Information Line (02) 6205 2300 or email [email protected].
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