Is flu season at its peak? Health officials record more cases this month
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As the leaves begin to turn and the cooler air whispers through, Australians now face a health alert that's stirring concern.
An unwelcome visitor has arrived early and with a vengeance, with cases surging to record-breaking numbers.
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System reported an alarming 30 per cent increase in flu cases across Australia compared to last year.
This year's figures have surpassed the rates seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSL Seqirus' Medical Director, Dr Jules Bayliss, highlighted the breadth of this outbreak.
Dr Bayliss noted that over 58,000 cases have been recorded this year across all age groups, with the majority of these cases being in children.
Despite the availability of free vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program, uptake has been at a low rate.
Dr Bayliss warned that the flu should not be underestimated.
'It's a disease that can leave you in bed for a number of days feeling really unwell with fever, muscle aches, and a more severe full body infection than a simple cold,' Dr Bayliss said.
'Most people have a number of days off, and then they return to work or school. Other people can end up with a severe disease that leaves them ending up in hospital.'
'But we are also seeing that people are not getting vaccinated against influenza,' Dr Bayliss added.
The flu vaccine, more accessible than ever, has been the best defence against the illness.
CSL already distributed over seven million vaccine doses to pharmacies and GPs nationwide.
These vaccines should be updated annually based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
As ANZAC Day long weekend approaches, now is the time to get vaccinated.
Free vaccines are available for certain groups, including children under five, adults over 65, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Flu vaccines are also readily available through GPs and pharmacies.
Australian Chief Medical Officer Anthony Lawler emphasised that influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in the country.
Last year's data revealed that children under nine had the highest notification rates but were among the least vaccinated groups.
In 2024, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) caused more deaths than in the previous year.
This year, a higher proportion of influenza B cases have been reported, particularly affecting school-aged children and young adults.
Influenza B could lead to more severe infections in children.
The good news is that all available vaccines in Australia cover both influenza A and B.
Professor Lawler advised everyone to get vaccinated against influenza every year.
Pregnant women were encouraged to get vaccinated against RSV and cough, and seniors over 65 should keep up with regular COVID-19 vaccinations.
The flu is not just a minor inconvenience; it's a serious health risk that could have devastating consequences.
We urge you to discuss your vaccination options with your healthcare provider, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk categories.
Have you received your flu shot yet? Share your experiences and thoughts on this year's flu season in the comments below. Let's support each other in staying healthy and flu-free.
An unwelcome visitor has arrived early and with a vengeance, with cases surging to record-breaking numbers.
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System reported an alarming 30 per cent increase in flu cases across Australia compared to last year.
This year's figures have surpassed the rates seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSL Seqirus' Medical Director, Dr Jules Bayliss, highlighted the breadth of this outbreak.
Dr Bayliss noted that over 58,000 cases have been recorded this year across all age groups, with the majority of these cases being in children.
Aussies were urged by healthcare officials to get vaccinated against the flu. Image Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio
Despite the availability of free vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program, uptake has been at a low rate.
Dr Bayliss warned that the flu should not be underestimated.
'It's a disease that can leave you in bed for a number of days feeling really unwell with fever, muscle aches, and a more severe full body infection than a simple cold,' Dr Bayliss said.
'Most people have a number of days off, and then they return to work or school. Other people can end up with a severe disease that leaves them ending up in hospital.'
'But we are also seeing that people are not getting vaccinated against influenza,' Dr Bayliss added.
The flu vaccine, more accessible than ever, has been the best defence against the illness.
CSL already distributed over seven million vaccine doses to pharmacies and GPs nationwide.
These vaccines should be updated annually based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
As ANZAC Day long weekend approaches, now is the time to get vaccinated.
Free vaccines are available for certain groups, including children under five, adults over 65, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Flu vaccines are also readily available through GPs and pharmacies.
Australian Chief Medical Officer Anthony Lawler emphasised that influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in the country.
Last year's data revealed that children under nine had the highest notification rates but were among the least vaccinated groups.
In 2024, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) caused more deaths than in the previous year.
This year, a higher proportion of influenza B cases have been reported, particularly affecting school-aged children and young adults.
Influenza B could lead to more severe infections in children.
The good news is that all available vaccines in Australia cover both influenza A and B.
Professor Lawler advised everyone to get vaccinated against influenza every year.
Pregnant women were encouraged to get vaccinated against RSV and cough, and seniors over 65 should keep up with regular COVID-19 vaccinations.
The flu is not just a minor inconvenience; it's a serious health risk that could have devastating consequences.
We urge you to discuss your vaccination options with your healthcare provider, especially if you fall into one of the high-risk categories.
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