Tasmanians encouraged to prepare and protect themselves from respiratory illnesses this Winter
Tasmanians are being reminded that as respiratory illnesses circulate widely this Winter, there are familiar steps we can take to protect ourselves and each other.
We are about halfway through Winter, and with Tasmanian schools returning next week, it is timely for a reminder of the actions we can all take to reduce the harms of respiratory infections.
Every Winter, many respiratory infections circulate in the Tasmanian community. This year, COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common.
Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, encouraged Tasmanians to continue to prepare, plan and protect themselves and each other throughout the coming months.
“Recent months have brought a substantial increase in several common respiratory infections,’’ he said.
“Cases of COVID-19 in Tasmania have decreased recently, but cases of influenza and RSV have increased significantly. Influenza is affecting Tasmanians of all ages, with notifications highest among school-aged children, and younger children. Influenza will continue to circulate during Winter and early Spring.
“I encourage all Tasmanians aged 6 months and older to get their annual flu vaccine, particularly those aged less than 5 years, those 65 years and older, pregnant women, those with medical conditions, and Aboriginal Tasmanians.
“If you have not had a COVID-19 vaccine or illness this year, boosters are widely available at GPs and most local pharmacies. If you are at risk of severe illness, please plan with your GP about how you will get tested and access antiviral medication if you become sick.
“People should also protect themselves and others by staying home if they are unwell, and keeping up simple behaviours like covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands.
“Please consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor public spaces, particularly if you are at higher risk from respiratory infections, or if you have symptoms of respiratory infection.
“As schools resume, and many Tasmanians return to workplaces, we should also remember the importance of staying away from school or work when you have a respiratory infection. This can help reduce the spread of infections in the community.”
Department of Health Secretary and State Health Commander, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, reminded Tasmanians that the successful COVID@homeplus program continues to provide high-quality virtual care to Tasmanians experiencing respiratory illnesses.
“The COVID@homeplus team is there to support Tasmanians who test positive to COVID-19, as well as eligible Tasmanians who have symptoms of influenza and other respiratory infections who are at higher risk of severe illness,’’ she said.
“This program has already supported more than 38,700 Tasmanians by providing them with virtual care to help manage their illness while they are in the comfort of their own home. This includes in situations where you are unable to quickly access your regular GP, with information on your treatment then being shared by the COVID@homeplus team with your GP.”
The COVID@homeplus team can also help facilitate access to COVID-19, influenza and RSV PCR testing in certain circumstances for high-risk individuals, including children. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19 can also be accessed at pharmacies and by concession card holders through Service Tasmania centres.
If you live in a rural or regional area and/or are unable to leave home (such as people with a disability), please contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to discuss options for accessing RATs.
Testing is critical to ensure timely access for high-risk individuals to the correct anti-viral to manage the relevant respiratory illness and help prevent or reduce more severe consequences of the illness.
Anyone with questions about COVID@homeplus in relation to COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses can phone the team on 1800 973 663.
Contact: [email protected]