Influenza is on the increase in the Hunter New England Health region with an increasing number of infections in recent weeks.

Hunter New England Health Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said with late August and September traditionally the peak season for influenza, we can expect the number of cases to continue to increase.

"Influenza has the potential to be a very serious infection, particularly for those over the age of 65, and for people with other medical conditions such as chronic lung disease (including asthma), heart or kidney disease; and diabetes," Dr Durrheim said.

"Influenza is highly infectious for the first five days of infection. If you suspect that you or a member of your family may have influenza, you can reduce the spread of infection by not going to work or school.

"It is particularly important that anyone with respiratory symptoms avoids visiting people in aged care facilities or hospitals," Dr Durrheim said.

"They should use a tissue to cover their nose when sneezing and mouth when coughing, and safely dispose of the contaminated tissue into a waste bin after use. It is important to then wash hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand gel to clean one’s hands".

"So far this year we have had 38 laboratory confirmed cases compared to three cases for this time last year."

"These confirmed cases are just the tip of the iceberg as not all influenza cases are confirmed via laboratory testing."

This is also a timely reminder for those who have not yet had their influenza vaccine this year. Influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for everyone aged 65 years and over, people suffering other chronic medical conditions including heart, kidney and liver disease and diabetes as well as any other conditions or treatments that result in impaired immune function. Vaccination is also recommended for all healthcare workers with patient contact.

Symptoms of influenza may include fever and shivering, cough, headache, muscle aches and sore throat. The illness usually lasts seven to 10 days.