Residents of Cape York, Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula region are being urged to ensure they protect themselves and their children from a range of respiratory infections.

Dr. Helen Pedgrift, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Department Public Health Officer, said a variety of respiratory diseases are circulating, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

Dr Pedgrift said some regions, such as Weipa in the Western Cape, were recording a surge in influenza cases.

Currently, the number of influenza cases year-to-date is higher than last year, with 90 influenza cases reported at medical institutions so far, compared to 15 influenza cases during the same period last year.

Dr Pedgrift said good hygiene is important year-round to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

“Always wash your hands, use sanitizer, cover your cough, put tissues straight in the trash, and stay away from others if you or they are sick,” she said.

“If you have the flu, you should not attend work or school, stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids until your symptoms subside (usually 5 to 7 days).

“If you or your family member becomes sicker, you may notice that your symptoms are worsening, such as rapid or difficult breathing, chest pain, or sleepiness.

“If this happens, you should go to your doctor or clinic as you may be eligible for antiviral treatment. But you should seek treatment early, especially if you have other chronic conditions. Antiviral drugs are only effective if started early, within the first few days of symptoms.”

Dr. Pedgrift said influenza and COVID-19 can be serious illnesses, especially for high-risk populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.

“While RSV can infect people of all ages, infants and young children are most at risk of contracting the disease and developing severe disease,” she said.

“Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat and headache.

“Symptoms in infants and toddlers may also include irritability and fatigue, refusal to breastfeed or bottle feed, weight loss, and breathing hard or rapidly.”

Dr. Pedogrift said vaccination is the best prevention against many respiratory diseases.

He said the seasonal influenza vaccination will be available in phases from March 1 and everyone should ensure they and their children are vaccinated for maximum protection.

“The vaccine will be free to all Queenslanders and a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine will also be available for children aged two to five this year,” she said.

“Young people in particular play an important role in vaccinations because they are more likely to spread infection.

“Influenza strains change every year, so you need to get vaccinated every year to protect yourself. You won’t be immune to these new strains when this year’s vaccine becomes available.”

Once launched, the new seasonal influenza vaccine will be available at GPs and pharmacies, as well as all primary health centers in the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula regions, Thursday Island Hospital and Bamaga Hospital clinics, Weipa General Health Service and Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service.

Dr Pedgrift also encouraged all residents to ensure their COVID-19 booster vaccinations are up to date, with vaccines readily available across health services.