Covid hospitalisations surge, Barwon Health warns

Covid hospitalisations have significantly increased at Geelong hospital.

Prof Eugene Athan.

Covid hospitalisations at Geelong hospital have surged as medicos warn people to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

There were 21 people with Covid in Geelong hospital on Monday, compared to just one person a week earlier.

Anti-viral prescriptions, levels of coronavirus in wastewater, hospitalisations and reported cases have also continued to increase across the state, Barwon Health said.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said the community had responded very well to Covid-19 vaccinations and coming forward for an additional dose if eligible was very important as cases began to rise again.

“Protection from vaccination reduces over time, so it’s important to ensure you and your loved ones are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations,” Prof Athan said.

“In particular those people who are vulnerable.”

Prof Athan also recommended to get tested for Covid-19 if you were unwell and had flu-like symptoms.

“If you have tested negative on a PCR or regular rapid antigen tests (RAT), stay at home and repeat your RAT in 24 hours time and consider contacting your GP in case you need to be tested for anything else, including influenza,” he said.

“We also want to encourage anyone that suspects they have the flu or Covid to isolate from others, especially vulnerable people, to minimise the spread.”

Adults aged 75 and older should receive an extra vaccine dose if six months have passed since their last.

Adults aged 65 to 74, or those aged 18 to 64 years who are severely immunocompromised, should consider an additional dose if six months have passed since their last, in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Oral antiviral medications are available for Covid-19 positive people at risk of severe disease.

If you or a loved one has tested positive and may be considered high risk, you can check your eligibility and get access by arranging a telehealth appointment with your GP.

Originally published as Covid hospitalisations surge, Barwon Health warns