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  • The worst of this year's flu season for NSW appears to be over

    Author: AAP

NSW Health says this year's flu season may have passed its peak, with the number of reported cases continuing to fall.

The worst of this year's flu season for NSW appears to be over, but health authorities are warning people to stay vigilant following more than a dozen new deaths.

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The latest data shows 5509 flu cases in the state were reported in the week ending July 28, down from 6148 the previous week.

An extra 16 deaths linked to influenza were also reported, all of them aged over 65 - bringing the year's total to 106.

That's more than double last year's total (40) but down on the 559 deaths in 2017.

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"With only a few weeks left of winter, influenza activity is continuing to decrease, but it is still about so people should remember to take simple precautions," NSW Health's Dr Vicky Sheppeard said in a statement on Friday.

"Vaccination is still your best protection and it is not too late to have a flu shot."

Outbreaks continue to be reported in aged-care facilities, with 33 reported last week alone.

A vast majority of flu deaths - 91 of 106 - were people 65 years or older.

"The elderly are still very vulnerable to flu so we are encouraging people who are sick to stay away from aged-care facilities to stop further outbreaks," Dr Sheppeard said.

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