Calls for hand sanitisers to fight flu as vaccinations urged for aged care visitors

NSW health authorities are urging members of the public to get their flu shot after dozens of influenza outbreaks at residential care homes, as NSW Labor calls on the state government to adopt more measures to limit the spread of influenza.

This year's intense flu season has brought increased warnings for people to get the flu jab. Source: AAP

New South Wales Labor is calling on the government of Gladys Berejiklian to increase measures to limit the spread of influenza.

Acting NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord wants the government to adopt a 'North American-style program calling on the Berejiklian government to put hand sanitisers in public places such as shopping malls and sporting venues to help limit the spread of the flu.

"Make no mistake, this is the worst flu season on record," he said in a statement on Saturday.

A NSW Health spokesman said measures are in place to limit the spread of the flu, with the state having one of the biggest uptakes of vaccination across the country.

More cases of flu

Almost 42,000 Australians were diagnosed with the virus last month while in June last year that number was under 2000. Latest figures show that 228 people have already died this year from flu complications.