The Ministry of Health is reminding people to get vaccinated against flu.

It comes after outbreaks of the aggressive H3N2 strain, dubbed the “Aussie flu”, made international headlines.

Although no alerts have been issued for Bermuda, a spokeswoman for the health ministry said: “The ministry advises that you get a flu shot, practise thorough and frequent hand washing, stay home from work or school when sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent transmission of germs.”

The spokeswoman also confirmed that the adult/child and infant vaccines contain coverage against the H3N2 virus, which caused problems for Australia and is now spreading across Europe and North America.

It also made headlines in the UK this week amid fears about how health services would cope.

Bermuda Hospitals Board warned of an increase in flu cases last month, with 13 people admitted to hospital.

The spokeswoman said there had been no alerts but if that changed, the public would be informed.

• For information about where to get a flu shot, call the Hamilton Health Clinic at 278-6460