Qlders told not to clog emergency departments as major flu surge looms

Premier Steven Miles says he is confident the state’s hospitals are prepared for a major flu surge, but has urged Queenslanders to leave emergency departments for emergencies.

Premier Steven Miles says he is confident the state’s hospitals are prepared for a major flu surge predicted by the chief health officer but has urged Queenslanders to leave emergency departments for emergencies.

Mr Miles said Queenslanders could support the health workforce by making sure they were vaccinated and using urgent care clinics, satellite hospitals, nurse-led walk-in clinics and pharmacists before emergency departments.

“We now have lots of other places you can get care if it is not an emergency,” he said.

Mr Miles referred to the virtual emergency department launched last week designed to increase the use of virtual care and telehealth services through Queensland Virtual Hospital.

“Our hospitals are well equipped to deal with the winter surge. We have a winter bid strategy that we put in place early in the year to deliver extra services as well as to schedule that care that can be scheduled around those surges in demand,” he said.

But experts have urged Queenslanders to get the vaccine before urgent medical care is needed following calls from chief health officer Dr John Gerrard to get the vaccine.

Dr Gerrard predicted daycare centres and schools were likely to experience increased rates of transmission from Monday, followed by children spreading the virus to adults in coming weeks.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles and chief health officer Dr John Gerrard.

“Just three weeks ago we were seeing an average of three children per day in hospital with flu,” he said.

“Last week that had increased to 20 children per day and right now it is on track to be above 50 per day within the next two to three weeks.”

Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin said for those with the vaccine, symptoms would be significantly reduced.

“The No. 1 way is to be vaccinated and that’s one of the challenges this year with vaccination uptake reaching its lowest point,” he said.

Dr Griffin said people had lost sight of how serious the flu was and he encouraged people to practise hand hygiene, stay home if unwell, wear a mask and ensure good air quality and ventilation.

“There’s lots of misinformation and negative sentiment about vaccines, which has extended to the flu,” he said.

“People need to know they should still get the vaccine even if they’ve had the flu because that will protect them for the rest of the season and what happens is those symptoms will be significantly improved and people will be less likely to die or go to the hospital from the flu.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland president Chris Owen said while the hospital was generally a last resort, people should still go if they felt they need it.

“Our healthcare system has many access points so if you’re feeling very ill and feel you need to go to the hospital, then go to the hospital,” he said.

Premier Steven Miles, Education Minister Di Farmer and Member for Aspley Bart Mellish welcome students at Craigslea State High School back for Term 3. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Owen said people should get the vaccine before the season’s peak to avoid serious illness.

“Pharmacists were already being consulted on how to deal with the flu, but people need to get vaccinated before it’s too late,” he said.

Education Minister Di Farmer joined Mr Miles at Craigslea State High School on Monday for the first day of school, just days after the chief health officer warned the flu had left 20 kids a day in hospital.

Ms Farmer said there was no indication yet of how the flu was affecting schools, with reports of staff absences done monthly.