Health
How can we prevent the spread of influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)?
The best way to prevent catching influenza or RSV is to be vaccinated.
Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.
RSV immunisation is recommended for newborns, young children with certain medical risk factors, pregnant women and adults with medical risk conditions aged 60 or older and all people aged 75 or older.
Seasonal influenza vaccination protects people against influenza virus and its complications. Each year, a new vaccine containing the most common strains of influenza viruses is produced.
For the first time, WA Health has introduced the WA Influenza nasal spray vaccination program. Under this program, children aged 2 to 17 years are eligible to receive the influenza vaccine as a nasal spray instead of a needle.
Protect yourself against influenza and RSV
Follow these tips to help prevent spreading influenza.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow or use a tissue and throw it in the bin straight away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use antibacterial hand sanitisers, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, keyboards, phones and toys regularly.
Stay at home if you have influenza and limit your contact with other people.
Judy Buckley
College Nurse