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Practice for sale formThe South Western Sydney Local Health District’s (SWSLHD) Public Health Unit (PHU) has provided the following public health updates.
Pertussis
South Western Sydney is currently experiencing large numbers of pertussis (whooping cough) cases.
The duration of antibiotics for pertussis depends on the agent and dose:
- Azithromycin (preferred) for 5 days
- Clarithromycin for 7 days
- Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole for 7 days
- Erythromycin for 14 days
See the Therapeutic Guidelines or Australian Medicines Handbook for dosage details.
If you would like advice on antibiotics for pertussis you can call 1300 066 055 or
SWSLHD-CommunicableDisease@health.nsw.gov.au
Respiratory viruses
The latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows both influenza and COVID transmission in the community is rapidly increasing.
RSV activity remains high and all three viruses are expected to co-circulate at the same time this winter.
SWSLHD has some of the lowest influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates in NSW.
Research shows one of the strongest drivers for vaccination is a recommendation from their doctors and health practitioners.
SWSLHD PHU is urging GPs and health practitioners to encourage their patients to stay up to date with their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
Find out more about flu vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Pneumonia
There are ongoing high numbers of mild to moderate pneumonia in children and adults aged under 65 years.
- much of this increase is likely due to mycoplasma pneumoniae
- mycoplasma pneumoniae can be diagnosed by PCR on a nose/throat swab
- recommended antibiotics include azithromycin and doxycycline
See the Therapeutic Guidelines or Australian Medicines Handbook for dosage details.