Health professionals are warning Forbes residents that the flu season is far from over and advising that it is not too late to get seek protection through vaccination.
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Forty six cases of flu have been recorded in the Forbes Local Government area this flu season.
Late last week Flannery's Pharmacy in Forbes had administered close to 550 flu vaccines to customers.
After a bad year in terms of flu related deaths Australia wide last year Pharmacist Clare Parameter said the flu vaccine had been in high demand this year, with the pharmacy having to order in more vaccines.
The increased vaccination rate appears to have had the desired result with Mrs Parameter saying the pharmacy had not seen as many people with the flu this year due.
Registered Nurse Rachel Hayes warns that although there is more awareness and uptake of the flu vaccine, the virus is still circulating.
The generally recommended time for immunisation is late April and early May to achieve the highest level of protection during the flu season, though the immunisation does not protect from the common cold.
More than 300 people have died from the flu this year but experts believe Australia's "moderately bad" season has probably already hit its peak.
A Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) spokesperson said for the year to date there have been 1129 cases of flu reported in the Western NSW Local Health District including 46 in the Forbes Local Government Area.
During the same period in 2018, we had 86 cases in the WNSWLHD and none in the Forbes LGA.
The WNSWLHD spokesperson said they are seeing higher than usual Influenza activity across the district, which is in line with activity across Australia.
There have been no reported deaths from influenza in Western NSW this year or in 2018.
Mrs Hayes said that it still isn't too late to get the flu shot, and to have a chat with your local pharmacist or doctor about what to do.
Other advice to help limit your chances of coming down with the flu, or a common cold include maintaining good hygiene and washing your hands.
Mrs Hayes said rest and hydration is important and to avoid going to areas where people have compromised immune systems.
NSW Health again urges people to avoid visiting friends and loved ones in aged care centres if you're sick.
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