Qld healthcare system ‘will be under extreme pressure’ this winter as Covid, flu cases rise

Influenza cases in Queensland have exploded and experts are warning we’re in a race against time to get vaccinated with a horror ‘flurona’ season rapidly looming.

Influenza cases in Queensland have exploded and experts are warning we’re in a race against time to get vaccinated with a horror ‘flurona’ season rapidly looming.

Flu season has kicked off early in the Sunshine State with Queensland Health recording 2760 flu cases so far this year, compared to just eight in the same period last year.

Chempro pharmacist Jules Steele said we had less than four weeks to get protected before the season ramped up, warning vaccine uptake was slower than usual.

“There has been a slow start to vaccinations but pharmacies have their vaccinations ready,” Mr Steele said.

“We go for a convenience offering so basically you can come in, get vaccinated and walk out.”

Mr Steele said before Easter was a good time to get the jab to provide enough time for cover to kick in before flu season officially started in May.

“It takes a couple of weeks to get peak effect, you want to get it now so you get peak protection, the peak protection doesn’t change over time,” he said.

“After the two weeks you are protected for about three to four months, taking you through to the end of August which pretty much takes you to the end of the season.”

While doctors can provide a free service for those over 65, those pregnant or some with specific health issues, most pharmacies provide a paid service.

Influenza cases are already on the rise in Queensland.

The timing of influenza season is typically from May and October, the peak is usually in August.

Mater Health Services infectious diseases director Paul Griffin said while it was difficult to predict, there was already a significant rise in flu cases.

“I would think there’s a realistic chance that it could be we have a much more significant season this year,” Dr Griffin said.

“If you overlap that with Covid, it could mean our healthcare system will be under extreme pressure when that happens.”

A woman wear a mask in Brisbane in January. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickardd

At the moment, cases of both influenza and Covid were on the rise, he said.

“With both of those infections, we don’t have a good handle of case numbers; it is clear we are already seeing more people in hospital,” Dr Griffin said.

“There are a lot more cases we don’t know about as it is a proportion that will progress to more severe disease.

“Locally, we have both Covid and flu in our intensive care and are having to manage both already.”

Between March 8 and 14, there were 3049 Covid cases, 17 deaths and 247 hospital admissions recorded.

In Victoria, there had been a 16.1 per cent increase in the past week, NSW 22.4 per cent and South Australia 15.4 per cent. Queensland cases fell 8 per cent.

Mater Health Services infectious diseases director Paul Griffin has a Covid jab. Picture: Supplied

Dr Griffin said while Queensland was behind other states that were entering their next wave, people should not get complacent.

“Queensland does appear to be following different trajectory; if we do, it’s inevitable that the same follows here,” he said.

While last year “flurona” was on the rise, Dr Griffin said it wasn’t something that was commonly seen – but it could be likely.

“Get vaccinated, stay home if you are unwell, utilise masks; we are likely to see some dual infections and that can be difficult to manage,” he said.

A Queensland Health spokesman said the response had shifted towards individuals, the community and industry managing Covid-19 risk.

Dr Paul Griffin said the flu vaccine uptake was well behind because of complacency and vaccine fatigue.

“Throughout the course of the pandemic, our health system has demonstrated it is able to flex up and down to meet demand as required,” he said.

“This is still the case.

“We encourage people to remain up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations, because they are far less likely to suffer severe illness if they get the virus.

“The timing and duration of the influenza season in Queensland varies from year to year but generally occurs between May and October, with the peak commonly in August.”

Dr Griffin said the flu vaccine uptake was well behind because of complacency and vaccine fatigue.

“We are about to embark on the flu vaccine campaign,” he said.

“I myself am running a free vaccine day.

“We do need to start promoting to get our flu shots.”