Stronger flu shot to be rolled out in 2016 to arrest increasing spread of virus

A new influenza vaccine that protects against four different strains of the virus will be released next year, after a record number of reported cases this year. This year's flu shot protected Australians from three different strains, but the Federal Government has expanded its effectiveness to include the Brisbane and Phuket strains of influenza for 2016. "There were 90,000 reported flu cases in 2015, that's 25,000 higher than the previous record, so we know that more people are getting the flu," Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley said. What to do if you have the flu: See your GP once you start feeling ill or call 13 Health if you are concerned about your symptoms Stay at home - do not go to work or school Avoid visiting aged care facilities and hospitals, so as not to pass the infection to others who may be at risk of complications Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or try a disinfectant wipe or sanitiser gel Always cough and sneeze into a tissue, and dispose of tissues quickly Keep surfaces such as door handles, kitchen bench tops, phones, and keyboards clean Drink plenty of fluids and rest Paracetamol is useful for a fever "We certainly do crack the whip to make sure that these vaccines are going to be available, and then put on the National Immunisation Program, and then funded to the tune of at least $40 million so that vulnerable Australians can be protected come the next flu season," Ms Ley said. Confirmed influenza cases 2010-2015*: Jurisdiction 2010* 2011* 2012* 2013* 2014* 5-year average 2015* ACT 86 244 635 514 1,203 536 1,170 NSW 1,365 5,499 7,766 7,944 20,426 8,600 29,701 NT 338 574 404 341 754 482 529 Qld 2,318 10,122 16,516 4,624 17,201 10,156 27,363 SA 4,024 4,595 5,659 3,760 10,561 5,720 15,421 Tas 95 347 1,077 243 649 482 1,400 Vic 1,917 2,980 5,695 5,183 9,470 5,049 11,455 WA 1,422 1,638 5,117 2,122 4,978 3,055 5,728 Total 11,565 25,999 42,869 24,731 65,242 34,081 92,767 Source: NNDSS, extracted November 4, 2015 *January 1 to October 30 of each year