Stay Well this Winter

Winter is here and the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit is urging the community to keep protecting themselves and their families from the Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. 

Now is not the time to be complacent, with cases of Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV continuing to be recorded across the Goulburn Valley region, particularly in children under five. 

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, and are available through GPs and pharmacies.

Some people have a higher risk of severe illness from flu and are eligible for a free flu vaccine, they include:

• Children from six months to under five years of age
• People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase their chance of severe influenza and its complications
• Pregnant women
• People aged 65 and over

If your last COVID-19 vaccination or previous COVID-19 infection was at least 6 months ago, you can have a COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccination on the same day.

If you have any flu or COVID-19 like symptoms, it’s important to stay at home and get tested. Even if you get a negative RAT result, stay home until you feel well again.

You can also help reduce the spread of viruses like Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 by:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or sleeve instead of your hands
• Wearing a mask if you cannot social distance, or need to visit a sensitive setting like hospital or aged care facility or be in close contact with someone, who is illLetting fresh air in by opening doors and windows where possible
• Staying home if you are unwell 

This winter, we know what to do to stay well. Getting your flu shot, and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, will help you, and the people around you, stay well.

More information can be found via your local GP or pharmacist.