The state opposition is calling on the government to announce measures to limit the spread of a fatal flu strain which has claimed 3 lives at two disability and aged care facilities in the Hunter.
Two men in their 60's at Kanangra near Morisset Hospital have died along with a woman in her 40's from the Stockton Centre.
51 residents at both facilities are being treated for flu-like symptoms. The centres, which have 450 residents between them have been locked down to limit the spread of the virus.
Shadow Health Minister Dr Andrew McDonald fears the H3N2 flu strain could spread rapidly.
Hunter New England Health says even though the current flu vaccine is not perfectly matched to H3N2, it's still providing protection against severe disease in most people, however there is still the chance of severe disease and death among the most vulnerable in the community, particularly the elderly.
