Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted

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.

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2018, August 23). Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 02, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110602/Flu-cases-rise-by-5025-in-Queensland-Residents-alerted.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted". News-Medical. 02 November 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110602/Flu-cases-rise-by-5025-in-Queensland-Residents-alerted.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110602/Flu-cases-rise-by-5025-in-Queensland-Residents-alerted.aspx. (accessed November 02, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2018. Flu cases rise by 50% in Queensland: Residents alerted. News-Medical, viewed 02 November 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110602/Flu-cases-rise-by-5025-in-Queensland-Residents-alerted.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
New CDC report highlights disparities in flu hospitalization and vaccination