South Australia’s flu deaths and cases drop thanks to COVID-19 measures
The fight against coronavirus has done a number on the old fashioned flu. But despite that virus’ death rate plummeting this season, there are new warnings it is yet to reach its peak.
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Flu deaths in South Australia have dropped 91 per cent on last year thanks to improved hygiene practices and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New SA Health data shows that for the first five months of this year to May 30, there were just three influenza-related deaths, compared to 37 for the same time period in 2019.
So far this year, there has been 1516 cases of the flu compared to 17,484 at the same time last year.
Experts put the increase down to more handwashing, social distancing, a good uptake of the flu vaccine, more people working from home and not going out when showing cold and flu-like symptoms.
SA Health’s communicable disease and control branch director Louise Flood said COVID-19 restrictions played a role in low influenza numbers in South Australia.
“Increased physical distancing, improved hygiene and less interstate and international travel may all play a part in the low numbers we are currently seeing,” Dr Flood said.
“If you have any symptoms, go and get a test for COVID-19, stay home while you are sick, wash your hands often, wipe down any frequently used surfaces, and cover your coughs and sneezes.”
Experts said good hygiene practices were essential to inhibiting the spread of flu because, like coronavirus, it could quickly worsen and claim lives.
Flinders University microbiology and infectious diseases professor David Gordon said South Australians should maintain high hygiene standards because, as restrictions lift, flu cases could grow.
“The issue I suppose is how long this benefit will carry over as we inevitably have to drop the precautions back a bit,” Prof Gordon said.
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Australian Medical Association state president Chris Moy said the peak flu season could be yet to come.
“Social distancing may have merely delayed it (the flu) coming along, so if things open up it may get worse,” Dr Moy said.
Many people had their flu shots early, meaning they could lose effectiveness should the flu season peak later in the year, he said.
“It is possible we may run into trouble later … because a lot of people had their vaccination early, and peak effectiveness of the vaccination is about three to four months (after it is administered),” Dr Moy said.
“So we could end up in a bit of bother … but most people should be OK if they have had the shot.”
University of Adelaide’s research centre for infectious diseases deputy director Michael Beard warned South Australians not to become complacent.
Last year, flu cases in South Australia were seven times higher than they were in 2018.
