Flu cases NT: Case numbers reach a new record of 3806

Flu cases have jumped by more than 800 in a week, while hospitalisations due to the illness are more than triple the last normal flu season. SEE THE COMPARISON

FLU case numbers have jumped by 806 in the last seven days, with 3806 cases recorded in the Territory so far this year.

It is a 4779 per cent increase on the total number recorded in 2021 and 102 per cent compared to the last serious flu season in 2019.

Hospitalisations have also risen, with 645 patients admitted with influenza.

In 2019 there were 218 hospital admissions.

28 Territorians are currently in hospital with the flu, compared with 18 Covid patients.

Two people remain in the ICU.

Of the cases recorded this year, 2162 were in the Top End, 634 were in Central Australia, 385 were reported in East Arnhem, 228 cases were in the Big Rivers region, 278 in the Barkly region, 113 from interstate and six are under investigation.

UPDATE, JUN 13: INFLUENZA cases this year are already more than 40 times the number of those recorded last year.

According to the latest NT Health data, there have 3200 infections reported as of June 13, compared to 76 in the entire 2021 flu season.

There are currently 42 patients in hospital with the flu, including two people in ICU.

It comes as 18 people are currently in hospital with Covid, and no cases in the ICU.

Acting chief health officer Dr Charles Pain said that number was not reflective of the total number of people infected with the illness this year.

Acting chief health officer Charles Pain speaking at a press conference on Monday morning with the Chief Minister Natasha Fyles by his side. Picture: Floss Adams.

“We know that we have substantially more than that in the community,” he said.

“We’ve had several hundred admissions to hospital over these several weeks.”

He also said there were 11 people flown out from Maningrida for medical treatments after contracting influenza.

Of the cases recorded, 1589 cases have been in the Top End region, 604 in Central Australia, 285 in East Arnhem, 164 in the Big Rivers region, 255 in the Barkly region, 99 are from interstate and four are under investigation.

51,450 Territorians have received the flu vaccine, despite the NT being one of the only jurisdictions not to offer a free shot to all residents.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said offering a free flu vaccine this season was still a possibility.

“We haven’t ruled it out completely. But we need to make sure that the resources we have we prioritise them to the most vulnerable,” she said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles at a press conference on Monday where she said a free flu vaccine for all Territorians had not yet been ruled out completely. Picture: Floss Adams.

“We don’t want to make a situation where people get the flu vaccine and the most vulnerable that need to get it somehow miss out — It’s something that we have discussed over the past few weeks and we’ll continue to discuss, but we certainly are not making any changes to the program presently.”

Ms Fyles said the government’s focus on vaccinations would be on children under five, who were eligible for a free jab, with a three-week blitz on flu vaccines opening at the Marrara vaccination clinic before it closes on June 30.

An NT Health spokeswoman said anyone experiencing respiratory illness symptoms should isolate and take a Rapid Antigen Test.

“Flu often has an abrupt onset and symptoms include tiredness, fever, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose and sneezing,” the spokeswoman said.

Those who are infected with the flu are advised to stay at home, unless severe symptoms persist.

“Most flu and influenza-like illness can be managed at home by resting, staying hydrated and taking ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain or fever.

“People experiencing flu or ILI should stay at home until symptoms resolve, or for at least 24 hours after having a fever,” the spokeswoman said.

Originally published as Flu cases NT: Case numbers reach a new record of 3806