Flu surges across shire

THE 2025 flu season has well and truly begun in Mansfield Shire, with a noticeable surge in respiratory illnesses sending many children home unwell from school and childcare. Nicole Salmon, Mansfield Primary School principal said the first week of June saw almost 100 children away sick, representing close to a quarter of the school population. "We've weathered the storm, and most children and staff are back at school now," she said. However with the community at large experiencing a high number of illnesses, the primary school was prompted to reach out to all families to address the issue. "Most children are coming to school asymptomatic and developing symptoms rapidly throughout the day," Ms Salmon said. "If a child becomes ill at school with these symptoms, we will contact the family and arrange for the collection of the child." The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit has confirmed there have been rising cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 across the region, consistent with seasonal respiratory illness patterns. Central General Practice’s Dr Ben Nally said in speaking to colleagues and patients, the number of influenza cases in Mansfield has been significant. “I have had anecdotal reports of large numbers of school absences due to "flu-like" illnesses,” he said. “Unfortunately, this seems aligned with a real drop off in numbers of children being vaccinated for influenza. “We have also been seeing many cases of influenza at the hospital level.” Dr Nally said vaccination is still the best defence against these types of illnesses. “The influenza vaccine has a long history of being safe in all age groups,” he said. Symptoms of influenza (and many respiratory viruses) include fevers, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and headaches. Some people may also present with gastro-type symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. “To prevent the spread, the health department suggest hand hygiene, covering when coughing or sneezing, staying home if unwell and seeking medical attention,” Dr Nally said. “In addition to this, it is important to eat healthy food, drink plenty of fluids, getting outdoors and exercising while well.” According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, in the first quarter of 2025 alone there were 48,490 reported cases of influenza nationwide. This is compared to 30,494 cases across the same period in 2024, 18,582 in 2023, and 20,048 ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “This data supports local observations that there is a lot more flu and flu-like illnesses in our community,” said pharmacist John Eisner. “We have had steady reports of the actual flu, RSV and COVID all still circulating. “The flu has knocked quite a few people with symptoms of head and body aches and needing to rest. “Fortunately, we have had a really strong uptake of people getting vaccinated against flu which helps to reduce symptoms if contracted.” Mr Eisner assured the community the pharmacy still had supplies of vaccines and could offer advice about which ones were appropriate for the current season.

Flu surges across shire

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