Australia’s influenza cases are continuing to rise with more than 63,000 flu cases reported this year so far, tracking above the average for the past five years.
Experts are urging people to stay safe and get vaccinated, but are we heading towards a severe flu season?
Here’s what they had to say.
Early increase in influenza cases
Experts say each year influenza is responsible for about 3000 deaths in older Australians, 18,000 hospitalisations, 300,000 doctor visits and 1.5 million lost work days.
Professor Patrick Reading, director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Melbourne, voiced his concerns.
“Despite the increased influenza activity, we can’t predict the upcoming severity of the influenza season in Australia – it’s dependent on a range of factors.”
“As we move into the cooler weather, we’re going to see that exponential increase typical from all the years of lab confirmed data, that’s probably going to give us a better indication.”
Declining vaccination rates
Several factors were said to be contributing to this issue, including cost, inconvenience of booking, poor timing and the inability to take time off work.
“There’s a lack of concern around influenza, it’s the underdog of infectious diseases,” Leask said.
University of Queensland Professor Paul Griffin also urged people to not downplay influenza as “just a flu”.
Common flu myths debunked by experts
“Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?” No, although you may coincidently be infected by any virus, the immunity takes time.
“I’ve had the flu already, do I need another vaccine?” It’s a good idea, as there are many other strains you can be affected by.
“I’m young and healthy, do I need a vaccination?” The flu can be contracted by anyone.
Bottomline, Griffin says the flu shot is your best defence.
Experts recommend basic hygiene, good air quality, mask wearing and getting vaccinated to avoid the flu.
If you have any influenza symptoms like a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue, it may be best to stay home, get tested, wear a mask and seek medical attention if you’re at high risk.
“We often hear people say it’s going to be a terrible flu season, and it is hard to say” but it is important to say influenza is still burdensome as people have already died and hospitalised from influenza, so it’s always a bad flu season,” Leask said.
Where can I get vaccinated?
You can get influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations at local GPs, pharmacies, community health centres, Aboriginal medical services and immunisation clinics. Your workplace may offer influenza vaccinations, too.
