Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDJun 2 2011

According latest reports, flu cases in Queensland have increased by more than half since last year, causing concern among doctors about an early on-set of flu season. The Australian Medical Association Queensland has revealed close to 1,600 cases of flu have been reported across the state this year, with as many as 460 cases reported over the last five weeks alone. They add that that as many as 30 per cent of the flu cases reported were the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu.

According to President Gino Pecoraro, it was unusual to see seasonal flu early in the year. “It may be related to the fact we had a particularly wet summer and so people have been indoors rather than outdoors…When you have people close together it is much easier to spread the virus because it is spread by infection in the air.”

He urged residents to take precautions such as covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and using antiseptic hand washes. The AMA also urged Queenslanders to be vaccinated against the flu, even if they have already endured what they believed to be the virus. They recommend anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home, as well as avoid using public transport and going to work or school.

“[If you have had the flu] I still recommend that you get the vaccine because the vaccine ... covers multiple strains of viruses that can cause the flu…And unless you have actually had a blood test or swab to figure out exactly which strain of flu you already have you may get another one,” Pecoraro said.

AMAQ president-elect Richard Kidd said treatments such as Tamiflu were available for patients who went to a GP within 36 to 48 hours of the onset of the flu. “Influenza symptoms are quite different to common cold, typically there is very high fever, quite often severe headache, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and quite often a very sore throat as well as a runny nose and cough,” he said.

Canterbury District Health Board virologist Lance Jennings said although it would be less prevalent, the potentially deadly swine flu would return would return to New Zealand this season. “Sadly, we will see some people admitted to hospital and possibly die from this virus again,” he said. Fifteen people died from swine flu in New Zealand last year. He predicted at least three viruses would be circulating this year, including H1N1, or swine flu, H3N2 and influenza B. All six flu cases confirmed last week proved to be the influenza B virus, he said.

Vaccination is free for high-risk groups such as pregnant woman and those over the age of 65. Others can get it through their GP. There is also a campaign in schools to encourage “safe-sneezing” to help limit the spread of germs.