Communicable Diseases Coordinator Priscilla Stanley said winter is a peak time for illness, but there are many things people can do to prevent getting sick, including getting the flu shot.

"Prevention is always better than cure and we strongly recommend the annual seasonal influenza vaccination for any person aged over 6 months to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill as the flu shot is still one of the best steps towards reducing your risk," she said.

"It's really important that people understand the flu vaccination does not cause the flu. This is a myth which is incorrect, and such rumours should not discourage people from getting the flu shot".

The flu vaccine is free for people over 65 years of age; pregnant women; Aboriginal people aged 15 years or over; Aboriginal children aged 6 months to five years; and people with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to severe influenza.

"We also urge people to take care to wash their hands, and to cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and to dispose of them into a bin straight away".

Ms Stanley said if people are unwell they should stay home from work, day care or school and avoid visiting family and friends in hospital.

"It's important to minimise the risk of spreading disease to our friends and colleagues by avoiding contact wherever possible," she said.

"People will also find they recover more quickly by getting the rest they need when unwell".

The Health District would also like to take this opportunity to remind people their local GP is the best point of call if they have flu symptoms, not the local hospital Emergency Department.

"We encourage people to avoid placing additional pressure on emergency departments which are for emergency medical conditions, not colds and flu," Ms Stanley said.