Flu: The silent killer that swept SA
South Australia has endured a horror flu season with 100 deaths, 22,342 cases and a season which began in summer — but there may finally be some good news.
It’s been the invisible killer that took the state by surprise — this year’s influenza season was off and running at the hottest time of the year and has already taken 100 lives.
That terrible death toll of mainly frail, elderly people compares to 15 deaths last year and 124 for all of 2017, the worst season in modern records.
Health officials note the number of flu deaths reported does not represent the true mortality rate as the data relies on tracking cases to determine their outcome, but this is not mandatory
So far this year there have been 22,342 confirmed cases, compared to 1812 at the same time last year and 8504 at the same time in 2017 which went on to record 28,486 cases for the full year.
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The flu season typically starts in June, but the timing of each season can vary year to year — this year the disease was rampant in summer.
The good news is the worst may be over, even though the cold weather is still with us.
SA Health Acting Director of Communicable Disease Control Branch, Dr Ann Koehler said every year the flu season in South Australia is different.
“While it’s never possible to predict the severity and length of the season, at the moment we’re seeing a decline in the number of confirmed cases which would suggest the season is tapering off,” Dr Koehler said.
“Although we have now recorded 100 deaths this year, just a couple of years ago we tragically saw 124 people die from flu. Unfortunately, the majority of deaths affect the elderly particularly if they have underlying medical conditions.
“The best protection from the flu is to get the flu shot, which the elderly, in particular, can receive for free.”
Each year the influenza vaccine changes as it is designed to match the virus types anticipated to circulate in the southern hemisphere, based on what strains have been seen in the northern hemisphere.
The vaccine effectiveness is extensively reviewed by the World Health Organisation after the flu season has occurred.
Dr Koehler said while it is not possible to know the effectiveness of the vaccine currently in use, she would still encourage people to ensure they are vaccinated as it is the best form of protection.
While the vaccine’s protection does wane, Dr Koehler said healthy people who had a shot early in the year need not rush to get a booster.
“We follow national guidelines from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation around flu vaccinations and there is currently no evidence to suggest that people require two flu shots in the same flu season,” she said.
“However, children aged six months to nine years who are getting vaccinated for the first time, and people getting vaccinated in the first year after a haematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant, are recommended to receive two doses at least four weeks apart.
“You can also speak with your doctor for advice on your individual circumstances.”
SA Health urges anyone who is sick with the flu or experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home until they are feeling better, contact their GP if their symptoms worsen and also “wash, wipe and cover” to reduce the spread.