Flu related requests up 311 per cent as surge hits NT, free flu vaccines available

There’s a surge of the flu in the Territory, according to one company, but there’s a way to stay protected. Find out more.

The NT has already seen a surge in flu cases this year, according to one company. Picture: File

As the winter months begin, one company’s chief medical officer says pressure on frontline clinicians is “rapidly intensifying” as new data shows a 311 per cent increase in flu-related requests.

Updoc’s chief medical officer, Dr Jamie Phillips, said the company was seeing “a significant increase in the volume of flu-related requests much earlier in the season”, with a 134 per cent increase in flu-like consultation requests and 265 per cent spike in cases in Australians aged over 65.

A person getting vaccinated. Picture: File

The Northern Territory is leading the way, according to data from the company, which reported a 311 per cent increase in flu-related consultation requests.

“Influenza is highly contagious and can escalate quickly, particularly in older Australians,” Dr Phillips said.

Updoc is a telehealth platform, with punters able to book stand-alone sessions or connect to a partner doctor via a subscription service which connects patients with doctors.

Health Minister Steve Edgington says “it is important to receive an annual flu vaccine to ensure the best protection against current strains”.

Registered Nurse Kim Dela Cruz gives the Minister for Health Steve Edgington his flu shot at the Casuarina Community Care Centre. Picture: NT Health

“By getting the flu vaccine, Territorians not only protect themselves but prevent giving the flu to others, helping to keep the community safe,” he said at the beginning of May,” he said.

High risk individuals were eligible for a free vaccine, Mr Edgington said, with residents encouraged to head to their local pharmacy to find out more.

The surge comes as the Hudson Institute of Medical Research Associate Professor Michelle Tate said flu vaccinations were “alarmingly low” this year.

Those vaccinated against the flu were 60 per cent less likely to get it, Ms Tate said.

“The vaccine does not contain live viruses and cannot cause influenza. It has a solid safety record, and has been used around the world for many decades,” she said.

At the beginning of May, it was reported there had already been 360 people hospitalised with the flu in the Territory.

Originally published as Flu related requests up 311 per cent as surge hits NT, free flu vaccines available