A triple whammy of flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus, combined with falling vaccination rates, is leaving large numbers of people sick across Australia.
The number of flu cases decreased during the pandemic due to lockdowns and measures such as the widespread use of masks.
But this has led to lower immunity and increased susceptibility to flu, with 3,696 hospital admissions and 379 deaths from flu in Australia last year.
The trend continues this year, with more than 2,000 people falling ill with flu in the week to May 11 in New South Wales, a 16 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Covid cases are also increasing, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also at high levels. RSV is a leading cause of lung infection in adults and children and can cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
A triple whammy of flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus is leaving large numbers of people sick across Australia, and many of the illnesses could be avoided if people had been vaccinated (file image)
“We are now officially entering flu season, and cases are expected to increase rapidly over the next six to eight weeks, so now is the time to book the flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.” said Dr. Kerry Chant.
‘This is a timely reminder for parents as we are already seeing an increase in the number of young children falling ill with the virus.
“The flu vaccine is available and free for those at higher risk of severe illness, including children six months to less than five years old.”
Holly Seale, associate professor at the UNSW School of Population Health, also warned of falling vaccination numbers.
“Although we are still relatively early in the 2024 flu season, so far only 7 percent of children under five have received the flu vaccine this year,” Dr. Seale said.
‘Although young children are a particular concern, flu vaccination rates appear to be lagging behind the population as a whole.
“Reports indicate that from March 1 to April 28, 16 percent fewer people were vaccinated against the flu compared to the same period last year.”
In 2023, reported flu cases were highest in children ages five to nine, followed by those ages zero to four.
The same pattern repeats itself this flu season, Dr. Seale wrote.
“While children are more likely to get and spread the flu, they are also at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from it. This is especially true for children under five years old,” he said.
‘The flu vaccine isn’t perfect (it may not prevent infections completely), but it is definitely our best chance at protection.
“Research has shown that flu-related GP visits were reduced by more than half in vaccinated children compared to unvaccinated children.”
He said vaccination prevents a severe response to the flu and reduces transmission in schools and communities, but some common misconceptions prevent some parents from vaccinating their children or themselves.
“Some parents are expressing concerns about the vaccine, including the old dogma that it can cause the flu,” he said.
‘The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu because it does not contain live virus. Unfortunately, that myth is really sticky.”
Dr. Seale noted that not only are children at higher risk of contracting the flu, but adults age 65 and older are also more vulnerable.
But despite being eligible to receive a free vaccine, uptake among people over 65 has been slow so far this flu season.
‘In this group, we normally vaccinate around 65 percent. So far this year, about 35 percent of people over 65 have received the flu vaccine,” he said.
The flu vaccine is also free for pregnant women and anyone who has a medical condition such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes or kidney disease.
‘From March 1 to April 28, 16 percent fewer people were vaccinated against the flu compared to the same period last year’ (file image)
Previous studies have found that flu vaccine coverage for pregnant women varies nationwide from 39 percent to 76 percent, meaning that in some areas up to 60 percent of pregnant women do not get vaccinated.
Dr Chant said that since Covid is still present in the community, vaccinations are a priority, with virus activity increasing from low to moderate levels.
“With all three viruses (flu, Covid and RSV) circulating, we also want to remind the community that symptomatic people should stay home and wear a mask if they need to go out,” he said.
“They should avoid visiting high-risk environments such as hospitals, senior and disability care facilities.”
When is flu season in Australia?
Traditionally, flu season runs from April to October with a peak in August. However, since 2022, the flu season began in early March and peaked in June.
Flu cases are reported throughout the year, but they are more common during the winter, which is why it is called flu season.
It is believed that there is a “flu season” because in winter people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other.
In the photo, a doctor talking to a patient.
Until April 30, 35,580 flu notifications were registered. This is much higher than the same period in 2023, which had 32,480 notifications.
While the flu can be mild, it can also cause serious illness in otherwise healthy people, leading to hospitalization and sometimes death.
In 2023, 252,296 flu cases were reported, but the total number of cases was likely much higher.
There were 3,696 hospital admissions due to influenza, of which 256 were admitted to the ICU.
In 2023, there were 376 influenza-associated deaths in Australia.
Fountain: Hudson Institute for Medical Research