Vaccination call as NT leads national influenza caseload

Health authorities have urged Territorians to get flu vaccinations after a massive surge in cases. Read how the Territory compares to the rest of Australia.

Health authorities are urging Territorians to get flu jabs following a surge in cases across Central Australia and spikes in the Top End earlier this year.

A total of 1399 cases of influenza have been confirmed in the NT in 2023, three times more than the five-year average.

The Territory currently has by far the nation’s highest flu rates, almost twice as high as second-placed Queensland.

The Territory has had 513 cases per 100,000 population against Queensland with 228 cases per 100,000 and NSW with 156 cases per 100,000.

Health authorities said there were 142 flu cases notified across the Territory in the past fortnight, a 23 per cent increase.

Central Australia recorded the biggest caseload so far this year with 107 cases during the past two weeks.

There have been 231 hospitalisations and five deaths associated with flu across the NT this year.

Four of those fatalities were recorded during the initial Top End outbreak in March.

Under the national immunisation program, anyone aged 65-years or over, children aged between six-months and five years as well as all Aboriginal people aged six-months and older are eligible for a free flu vaccine.

Alice Springs hospital. Picture: Kevin Farmer

This also applies to anyone aged six months and over with a chronic medical condition that may increase their risk of severe flu infection and pregnant women, with the vaccine protecting baby for up to six months after birth.

Most colds and flu can be managed at home by resting, staying hydrated, and taking ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain or fever. People experiencing flu or flu like symptoms should stay at home until symptoms resolve, or for at least 24 hours after having a fever. If you are concerned about your symptoms contact your pharmacy, GP or call healthdirect on 1800 222 022.