A top doctor has warned Australians of a winter virus explosion,with influenza cases set to rise as Covid-19 continues to spread.
More than 57,000 flu cases were admitted to hospital in the first half of the year, with half of those treated in the past month alone.
Paediatrician Dr Darryl Cheng said this year’s winter flu season was ‘worrying’ as Aussies face a mix of viruses post-pandemic.
‘We are seeing a huge increase in people presenting with respiratory illnesses, cases of flu, Covid and also other respiratory viruses as well,’ Dr Cheng told Today.
‘What we are seeing in this kind of post Covid-19 pandemic is a mix of the viruses, so you can get more than one.
Paediatrician Doctor Darryl Cheng (pictured) said this year’s winter flu season was ‘worrying’ as Aussies face a mix of viruses post-pandemic
Doctor Cheng explained contracting a mixture of viruses puts vulnerable people at risk including those under the age of five, pregnant women and those 65-years and older.
He added Aussies can protect themselves during flu season by using practices learnt during the pandemic.
‘Things like hand hygiene, staying home while you’re sick, social distancing when you can and also things like flu vaccines to prevent against influenza, especially for the vulnerable populations is really important,’ Doctor Cheng said.
Doctor Cheng urged parents to seek medical attention if their child shows signs of more than just the common cold.
‘If you’re worried that your child or a family member or someone that you love is unwell and not doing so well and having more than just the common cold, it’s important to seek someone to assess that,’ Doctor Cheng said.
‘Whether that’s a nurse on call, visiting a respiratory clinic or your GP where possible. Especially for these people with medical conditions that is really important.’
There have already been 40,318 cases of laboratory-proven influenza from the start of 2023 to May 14, with more than 8,173 cases diagnosed in the first half of May alone (stock image)
Doctor Cheng advised Aussies can protect themselves during flu season by using practices learnt during the pandemic including wearing a mask (pictured), social distancing, hand hygiene and staying home when sick
There have already been 40,318 cases of laboratory-proven influenza from the start of 2023 to May 14, according to the Australian Government’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
More than 8,173 cases diagnosed in the first half of May alone, making 2023 the second worst year on record.
Flu cases dropped to very low numbers during Covid restrictions but the virus is roaring back, with new strains generally brought by travelers returning from the Northern Hemisphere.