Summer flu cases surge to six-year high in South Australia
DOCTORS are dealing with unusually large numbers of summer flu cases for this time of year in South Australia, with notifications at a six-year high.
DOCTORS are dealing with unusually large numbers of summer flu cases for this time of year, with South Australian notifications at a six-year high.
SA Health data reveals the state has recorded 504 lab-confirmed incidences of influenza so far this year, up from 173 at the same time last year and just 49 flu cases in 2012.
This is before the official winter flu season begins and comes as the Northern Hemisphere battles an epidemic of the A (H3N2) strain.
Health authorities say the cases may be the tail end of last year’s late flu season but are urging the community to get vaccinated.
Australian Medical Association (SA) president Dr Janice Fletcher said she would continue to monitor flu cases closely, given the State Government has maintained it will not open the long overdue and over-budget $2.3 billion new Royal Adelaide Hospital during a season of high peak demand because it could pose a risk to patients.
She said there were several reasons numbers were so high — including the possibility of a monster, or early, flu season.
“(It could also be) a hangover from last year’s bad season,” Dr Fletcher said.
“The only thing we do know is that our emergency departments are reporting a lot more presentations in what’s traditionally a quiet time in January and February.”
Dr Fletcher said the AMA has maintained “very strongly that moving (RAH hospitals) during flu season has immense risks”.
“It puts the system under more pressure than is right because everywhere is overflowing and it’s certainly a high risk situation,” she said.
“It is going to be something that is closely watched ... we’ll have a better idea (about the season) towards May.”
SA Health chief medical officer Professor Paddy Phillips urged people to ensure the did get their annual flu vaccination, which is usually available from late March or early April.
“If you can’t get the flu, you can’t spread it to your friends, family or the rest of the community,” he said.
“At the moment we’re seeing slightly higher flu numbers than usual for this time of year which can in part be attributed to a late peak in the 2016 season which has carried over through summer.
“While it’s not possible to predict the severity of a flu season or whether it will commence early, the number of cases so far does not necessarily indicate the 2017 flu season will be a cause for concern.”
Flu season typically starts in June but last year in SA it started late, with the cases peaking around September.
Due to flu viruses constantly changing, the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match the circulating virus.