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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Hospitals have reported a significant increase in influenza cases across Australia, with a 28 per cent rise in Victoria and a 33 per cent increase in NSW over the past weeks.
• Hospitals have been on high alert, and experts strongly urged the public to get vaccinated against influenza.
• Experts highlighted a decline in COVID-era protective practices, alongside increasing international travel as factors contributing to the surge.
• Free influenza vaccinations are available under the National Immunisation Program for groups considered to be at higher risk.

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.

 

[BruceC]

Obviously the staff of Victorian Heart Hospital are lacking in good manners and common sense, just as in most hospitals these days. If masks don't provide any benefit, why do surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses wear them when working in operating theatres?

Continue to force your opinions on others!

 

[BruceC]

"DON’T try and force your needs onto others".

That is some selfish comment!

Bruce being a male name you have a 1 in 6 chance of developing prostate cancer as you age and you could well be unlikely to realise that fact until it has metastasized to your pelvis and /or hip/femur. After your first 16-week dose of chemotherapy, during which you will become immunocompromised, during which your hair and toe/finger nails will fall off and you may expect to feel weak and depressed, after which you will be put on pills and injections that on average will keep you going along, with variable discomfort, for around an average of 4-5 years; but those pills and injections will ruin your sex life, if you still have one.

Should you need a course of some of those pills, they cost $40 000 a year, approximately, although on the PBS a year's supply is only approximately $360. However, in the spirit of not forcing your needs on to others despite having proststate cancer (and I hope you don't and won't) I expect you will happily front up with that full $40 000 per year cost yourself.

What the heck does this have to do with Influenza?

 

[Rob44]

Great Jumping Zoonotic Viruses Batman! Didya know that Clade 1 (a respiratory version) of Monkepox is reckoned tobe killing about 1 in 10 infected in the Congo; a derivative of Clade 1 is best transmitted sexually; and Clade 2 is less dangerous. It appears to be a relative of the Smallpox virus.

However, it's not caught hold in Australia so all we need to worry about is influenza.

 

[Rob44]

Continue to force your opinions on others!

You mean sort of as the antivaxxers and antimaskers back in the day were demonstrating violently in the streets of Melbourne to try to enforce their lunacy?