Covid Queensland: 43,000 active cases a ‘gross underestimation’ due to under reporting, false RAT results

Queenslanders are being warned of a hidden Omicron wave that is far worse than official numbers show due to under reporting and false RAT results.

Health experts fear the true number of Covid-19 infections could be “10 times” more than the official numbers show and have warned to expect further outbreaks as GPs are warning Queenslanders not to trust negative RAT tests.

A Sunshine Coast doctor and a leading infectious diseases expert say the 43,000 active cases would be a gross underestimation, with many not getting tested or reporting positive RAT tests.

The warnings comes after 6467 new Covid-19 cases were recorded on Tuesday taking the total number of active cases to 43,251.

There are 564 people being treated for Covid in public and private hospitals with 20 in intensive care.

“If you are sick with flu-like symptoms it’s best to stay home, regardless of RAT test results. We know that there are problems with people not using the tests properly,” Dr Bruce Willett Queensland chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said.

Queenslanders are being warned not to trust rapid antigen test results. Picture: Nikki Short

Experts have warned that swabbing nostrils too early in the course of an Omicron infection will not pick up the virus.

“Earlier Covid variants had different symptoms than Omicron. It’s hard to tell the difference between Omicron and the flu. Compared with Delta, Omicron is more likely to cause a sore throat and less likely to be associated with the loss of taste or smell. Omicron symptoms are very similar to influenza – runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing,” Dr Willett said.

Health experts have previously warned of the urgent need for a flu jab with the chances of Queenslanders catching “flurona”— getting both influenza and Covid at the same time.

GP Dr Roger Faint estimated the true number of infections was likely to be five-10 times greater than those being reported.

The Buderim-based general practitioner said Covid-19 was now “prevalent” throughout the state, even in remote communities once relatively safe from the virus.

“It’s hard to estimate the real number but simply because people aren’t reporting their RAT test or people just get on with it despite having minor symptoms,” he said.

Dr Faint said high vaccination rates had protected the hospitals from being overwhelmed but said it was still having a significant impact on the community.

University of Queensland infectious diseases expert Dr Paul Griffin said Dr Faint’s estimation was “reasonable”.

“Hospitals are stretched, they’re busy every day, just the system is better managed now,” Dr Griffin said.

Dr Griffin said he expected further outbreaks of the virus to pop up with schools back and from the amount of movement over the Easter holidays.

However, he said it was unlikely that outbreaks would be followed by lockdowns.

“I think the tools are in place to maintain it but the risk of complacency is there,” he said.

“I do expect case numbers to climb. It’s not going away.”

A Queensland Health spokesperson said new cases of Covid-19 would continue to be recorded for months ahead.

“Our key message remains – if you are unwell, stay at home. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, get tested,” she said.

“We’re at the point now where it is likely to be Covid-19.

“And keep doing the simple things we’ve all come to know so well, like getting vaccinated, wearing a mask when you need to and when you should, distancing yourself from others as much as possible, and washing your hands regularly.”