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Covid ‘stealth variant’ and flu  season are about to collide
STORY: Angie Raphael
We're all tired of Covid ...
But just as restrictions have been stripped away across most of Australia, a highly infectious sub-variant of Omicron has emerged and is posing a new threat.
Here's what you need to know
The new ‘stealth’ variant, which may be  40 per cent more transmissible than the original virus, is sweeping the country, with concerns it will surge as Australia enters its first real flu season since 2019.
Omicron part II has arrived...
The Omicron BA. 2 subvariant is quickly taking over BA. 1 in NSW. It's not yet known if it’s more severe, but it is more transmissible, says Australian Medical Association NSW president Danielle McMullen.
Many countries have been experiencing a surge in cases due to BA. 2.
Ba.2 is sweeping the globe
In NSW last week, Health Minister Brad Hazzard revealed cases could “more than double” in four to six weeks as a result of BA.2.
According to the World Health Organisation, BA. 2 differs from BA. 1 in its genetic sequence and has a growth advantage over BA. 1 but studies remain ongoing.
What is BA. 2?
Given that more than 60 per cent of the Australian population has received a  booster vaccination, we should not be too concerned — for now.
Should you be concerned?
However, ANU researcher Gaetan Burgio said that as winter approaches, co-infection with other respiratory viruses may change the level of concern regarding the transmission and severity of this variant.
With borders now open, the flu season is expected to be significant this year. Professor Thompson said the issue would come down to the number of hospitalisations from Covid-19, which are still fairly low.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Australian Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation was now considering whether fourth shots would be recommended for people over the age of 65.
Health authorities are concerned about what a winter of Covid-19 combined with the  influenza season could do to the nation's health systems.
has now been pledged by the government for a “winter preparedness” package.
$2.1B
The multibillion-dollar package will include the extension of the concessional rapid antigen test program and a boost to PPE in residential care and disability settings.
The fatigue effect from previous restrictions means many of us are becoming complacent. To stay safe and protect yourself:
What can you do?
1
Get vaccinated and get your booster, and ask your GP about a flu shot
2
Use hand sanitiser 
Wear a mask when you can't socially distance
3
PRODUCER: GILLIAN MCNALLY

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/new-omicron-variant-and-flu-season-are-about-to-collide