Hospitals on high alert as influenza cases continue to surge
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As the winter cool comes in full swing, Australians are facing a health challenge that's all too familiar—the seasonal flu.
However, this year's influenza outbreak has been formidable.
Due to a significant surge in cases, hospitals have been on high alert.
It's a reminder that apart from COVID-19, other respiratory illnesses remain a potent threat to our well-being.
The spike in flu cases in Victoria has been alarming—a 28 per cent increase in cases was reported over the past fortnight.
New South Wales isn't faring much better—according to the NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance report, there has been a 33 per cent rise in severe influenza cases.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a growing pressure on our healthcare system and a risk to the vulnerable members of our community.
Epidemiologists like Professor Adrian Esterman attributed this uptick to several factors.
'Fewer and fewer people are protecting themselves with face masks and handwashing. Because of that, people are more exposed to the flu than this time last year,' Professor Esterman said.
'The second reason is there's been a bit of an early start to the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The current strain of influenza that's circulating now is identical to that in the Northern Hemisphere last winter,' he added.
With international travel also back in full swing, these flu strains eventually found their way Down Under.
Dr Max Mollenkopf's advice was straightforward.
'When you are sick, just stay at home. The office doesn't need you that badly. We can help everyone to stay well.'
He also emphasised the importance of vaccinations for both COVID and influenza.
Children, in particular, have been vectors for the spread of the flu.
'So many younger kids, they're eligible for free flu vaccines, and really they're the ones bringing it from daycare and school, and they're the ones spreading it throughout the community,' he added.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Clare Looker also urged residents to get their flu shots.
'The flu can be deadly—getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones,' she advised.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported 59 influenza deaths as of March 2024, with the highest numbers in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
These figures are a sombre reminder of the flu's potential impact.
To combat the increasing number of cases, the National Immunisation Program made influenza vaccinations free for those at higher risk.
This program caters to children from six months to under five years old, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, citizens aged 65 and over, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
These groups could experience severe complications from the flu, making vaccination a vital step in protecting them.
By taking preventive measures and looking out for each other, we can help ease the burden on our hospitals and safeguard the health of our communities.
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? How are you preparing for the flu season? Share your thoughts and any health tips with us in the comments below.
However, this year's influenza outbreak has been formidable.
Due to a significant surge in cases, hospitals have been on high alert.
It's a reminder that apart from COVID-19, other respiratory illnesses remain a potent threat to our well-being.
The spike in flu cases in Victoria has been alarming—a 28 per cent increase in cases was reported over the past fortnight.
New South Wales isn't faring much better—according to the NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance report, there has been a 33 per cent rise in severe influenza cases.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a growing pressure on our healthcare system and a risk to the vulnerable members of our community.
Hospitals have warned about the surge in influenza and other respiratory cases since last month. Image Credit: Shutterstock/doublelee
Epidemiologists like Professor Adrian Esterman attributed this uptick to several factors.
'Fewer and fewer people are protecting themselves with face masks and handwashing. Because of that, people are more exposed to the flu than this time last year,' Professor Esterman said.
'The second reason is there's been a bit of an early start to the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The current strain of influenza that's circulating now is identical to that in the Northern Hemisphere last winter,' he added.
With international travel also back in full swing, these flu strains eventually found their way Down Under.
Dr Max Mollenkopf's advice was straightforward.
'When you are sick, just stay at home. The office doesn't need you that badly. We can help everyone to stay well.'
He also emphasised the importance of vaccinations for both COVID and influenza.
Children, in particular, have been vectors for the spread of the flu.
'So many younger kids, they're eligible for free flu vaccines, and really they're the ones bringing it from daycare and school, and they're the ones spreading it throughout the community,' he added.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Clare Looker also urged residents to get their flu shots.
'The flu can be deadly—getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones,' she advised.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported 59 influenza deaths as of March 2024, with the highest numbers in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
These figures are a sombre reminder of the flu's potential impact.
To combat the increasing number of cases, the National Immunisation Program made influenza vaccinations free for those at higher risk.
This program caters to children from six months to under five years old, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, citizens aged 65 and over, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
These groups could experience severe complications from the flu, making vaccination a vital step in protecting them.
By taking preventive measures and looking out for each other, we can help ease the burden on our hospitals and safeguard the health of our communities.
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and teas also eat Oranges ,Lemon in the morning with warm water .
