Parents are being urged to register their children for a free flu vaccination following the death of a four-year-old boy.
The boy, who died on June 10 at Austin Hospital in Melbourne’s north-east, was farewelled at a private funeral on Tuesday.
The latest surveillance data from the Victorian Department of Health showed reported flu cases had increased across all age groups, with the largest increase recorded in people under five.
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In the same fortnight after the boy’s death, the number of cases in this age group had increased by 37 percent.
More generally, the number of reported influenza cases quadrupled and there was a six-fold increase in emergency department presentations between April and June.
“We expect flu cases to continue to rise in the coming weeks, so it is crucial that people book their flu vaccination now, especially for those groups at higher risk of severe illness, such as children,” said Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker.
“The flu is highly contagious and while most people experience only mild to moderate symptoms, it can be fatal for some.”
Only 23 per cent of Victorians under five have had their free annual flu vaccination this season, but authorities are concerned about low vaccination rates across the board.
The flu vaccination is free for people at higher risk of serious illness, including children under five and people aged 65 and over, and is widely available from GPs, pharmacists and other providers.
Symptoms of the flu — a highly contagious viral respiratory infection — can include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, chills, sore throat, loss of appetite and a runny or stuffy nose.
More serious complications may include a lung infection (pneumonia) or severe breathing difficulties, which may require emergency medical care and hospitalization.
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