Hospitals warn Aussies about surge of triple-virus cases. Are you protected?
- Replies 30
As the leaves turn golden and the air chills, Australians are bracing themselves for the winter season.
However, this year, the usual suspects of cold and flu invited some unwelcome additions to the mix—causing an alarm for healthcare professionals nationwide.
Hospitals across Victoria and New South Wales are grappling with a formidable trio of respiratory viruses.
Confirmed cases of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) made a 'triple whammy' of health threats, straining healthcare systems and communities.
Dr Clare Looker, Victoria's Chief Health Officer, raised the alarm on the severe jump in flu cases as the state battles this viral trifecta.
'We've seen a significant jump in flu (cases),' she stated in an interview, emphasising the situation's urgency.
As winter approaches, hospitalisations for COVID-19 have spiked by 37 per cent in just one week.
Dr Looker pointed out that COVID-19 does not adhere to 'neat' seasonal trends, unlike the flu.
Wastewater testing revealed high amounts of COVID-19 in the community, indicating widespread transmission.
'I think we are probably in for a few more weeks of high activity. That number will probably go higher regarding hospital admissions,' she added.
'It's probably higher than we saw last year, but not different in the pattern.'
Dr Looker also noted that children are more susceptible to flu and RSV, which may lead to bronchiolitis—a severe respiratory condition in which the small airways in the lungs become inflamed.
Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of those hospitalised with the flu are children under ten.
This is a reminder of the indiscriminate nature of these viruses and the importance of protecting the population.
She reported that around 1.3 million flu vaccines were administered this year, a few hundred thousand fewer than in previous years.
'We're very keen that people understand how effective the flu vaccine is, and it is recommended across age groups,' Dr Looker shared, emphasising the importance of vaccination as the best defence against viruses.
Across the border in New South Wales, the situation is similarly dire.
NSW Health's latest report confirmed the start of this year's influenza season, with a noticeable uptick in disease notifications and emergency department presentations in early May.
The report also shared that cases may 'rapidly increase over the next six to eight weeks and influenza activity will quickly reach high levels'.
With all three viruses circulating, NSW Health shared that they are anticipating a 'large number of people' will be infected.
This triple threat poses a unique challenge to individuals and healthcare providers, as symptoms can overlap and complicate diagnoses and treatment.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones? Here are some critical steps:
By staying vigilant and following public health recommendations, we can help mitigate the impact of this triple-virus explosion.
We urge our members to prioritise their health and well-being during these trying times. Share your experiences and tips for staying healthy in the comments below.
However, this year, the usual suspects of cold and flu invited some unwelcome additions to the mix—causing an alarm for healthcare professionals nationwide.
Hospitals across Victoria and New South Wales are grappling with a formidable trio of respiratory viruses.
Confirmed cases of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) made a 'triple whammy' of health threats, straining healthcare systems and communities.
Dr Clare Looker, Victoria's Chief Health Officer, raised the alarm on the severe jump in flu cases as the state battles this viral trifecta.
'We've seen a significant jump in flu (cases),' she stated in an interview, emphasising the situation's urgency.
As winter approaches, hospitalisations for COVID-19 have spiked by 37 per cent in just one week.
A triple threat of viruses are now on the rise across Victoria and New South Wales. Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets
Dr Looker pointed out that COVID-19 does not adhere to 'neat' seasonal trends, unlike the flu.
Wastewater testing revealed high amounts of COVID-19 in the community, indicating widespread transmission.
'I think we are probably in for a few more weeks of high activity. That number will probably go higher regarding hospital admissions,' she added.
'We're in that time of year when flu and RSV rates always go up. But we're seeing a significant jump in flu, again in the last fortnight, to about 75 per cent higher than two weeks ago,' Dr Looker shared.'It's probably higher than we saw last year, but not different in the pattern.'
Dr Looker also noted that children are more susceptible to flu and RSV, which may lead to bronchiolitis—a severe respiratory condition in which the small airways in the lungs become inflamed.
Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of those hospitalised with the flu are children under ten.
This is a reminder of the indiscriminate nature of these viruses and the importance of protecting the population.
She reported that around 1.3 million flu vaccines were administered this year, a few hundred thousand fewer than in previous years.
'We're very keen that people understand how effective the flu vaccine is, and it is recommended across age groups,' Dr Looker shared, emphasising the importance of vaccination as the best defence against viruses.
Across the border in New South Wales, the situation is similarly dire.
NSW Health's latest report confirmed the start of this year's influenza season, with a noticeable uptick in disease notifications and emergency department presentations in early May.
The report also shared that cases may 'rapidly increase over the next six to eight weeks and influenza activity will quickly reach high levels'.
With all three viruses circulating, NSW Health shared that they are anticipating a 'large number of people' will be infected.
This triple threat poses a unique challenge to individuals and healthcare providers, as symptoms can overlap and complicate diagnoses and treatment.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones? Here are some critical steps:
- Get vaccinated: The flu and COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe illness. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure you're up to date with your vaccinations.
- Practise good hygiene: Regular handwashing, using hand sanitiser, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of viruses.
- Stay informed: Keep up with the latest health advisories from your local health department and be aware of the symptoms of each virus.
- Seek medical advice as symptoms appear: Contact your doctor, especially if you're in a high-risk group.
- Consider wearing masks: Wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces can reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory viruses.
By staying vigilant and following public health recommendations, we can help mitigate the impact of this triple-virus explosion.
.png){kind=icon}
