THE flu season has officially started with two more weeks until the winter period begins.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There were 856 confirmed flu cases in the state for the week ending on May 12, and 812 in the previous week.
Of those cases, 23 were recorded in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, according to the weekly Influenza Surveillance Report.
The district recorded 247 presentations at its emergency departments.
NSW Health's director of communicable diseases Vicky Sheppeard said people are urged to get their flu jab as soon as possible to protect themselves against the potentially deadly infection.
"Vaccination is your best protection against the flu, so we encourage everyone who can to get vaccinated as soon as possible," Dr Sheppeard said.
Read more:
"We've seen abnormally high numbers of reported flu cases across Australia over the warmer months leading into winter, so we are urging people to act now and get vaccinated.
"It's important to act now because it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, and children under nine years of age having the shot for the first time require two doses, one month apart."
While vaccinations are the best protection against the flu, Dr Sheppeard said there are steps to help prevent the spread of influenza.
This includes coughing and sneezing into the elbow, cleaning hands and staying home when sick.
"We urge everyone to get the flu jab to build immunity in the community and beat the flu bug this winter - it could save your life," she said.
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news sign up here.