It’s spring time and with wattle and blossoms starting to bloom, cases of hay fever are on the rise. At the same time, schools, workplaces and health services, including Dhelkaya Health, are managing a range of viruses, including influenza.

Across the state, and specifically the Loddon Mallee region, laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza are already substantially higher than they were at this stage last year. Other viruses such as rhinovirus (the common cold) and COVID-19 are also on the rise.

Catina Eyres is Dhelkaya Health’s Infection Prevention Control Consultant. Ms Eyres says “as an infection control consultant, my best advice is to clean your hands and your environment frequently, stay away from others and avoid visiting health services if you are unwell.

At Dhelkaya Health, we use national, state and local guidelines to prevent and manage infections and outbreaks. We recommend frequent cleaning of hands and increased cleaning of the environment, use of specialised equipment and PPE. Examples include, air purifiers, masks and eye goggles. We also display external and internal signage to limit movement around affected areas. Essentially, your actions prevent infections.”

Everyone needs to remain vigilant. Influenza, COVID-19 and rhinovirus can be mistaken for hay fever. So if you have ANY symptoms, even if you think it might be hay fever, please postpone your visit to Dhelkaya Health’s aged care, hospital and community wellbeing services.

Tests are available at local pharmacies that cover 4 viruses, so consider having these on hand to use before visiting any health service. Keep in mind there are many viruses that can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, headache or other respiratory symptoms.

It is also important to note that Dhelkaya Health’s Urgent Care Centre at our Castlemaine campus continues to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for treating non-life-threatening emergencies.