Healthy drop in flu cases

GEELONG has seen a massive drop in flu cases following a push for vaccination and widespread public health messaging prompted by coronavirus.

Cases have dropped by about 90 per cent compared with the same time last year, data from the Department of

Health and Human Services shows.

There have been about 130 influenza cases recorded so far this year in Greater Geelong, compared with more than 1340 over the same period last year.

Greater Geelong recorded 2241 flu cases in 2019, which was the region’s worst flu season on record.

It is understood the DHHS has not been notified of any influenza deaths in the Geelong or Bellarine Peninsula areas this year.

“We have seen a significant decrease in flu cases this year, due to the social distancing people are practising during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the high rates of vaccination,” Barwon Health infectious diseases director

Eugene Athan said yesterday.

Barwon Health was yet to see any patients with both the flu and COVID-19 virus simultaneously, Prof Athan said.

Fears people could be struck down by both illnesses simultaneously partly motivated a push from doctors for people to get their flu vaccinations earlier this year.

Doctors also warned the health system could not afford to be overloaded by flu patients during a pandemic.

Prof Athan said influenza A has been the main type of flu reported in Victoria this year.

A DHHS spokesman said it was more important than ever this year to get the flu shot, so people could stay healthy and avoid serious illness during the colder months.

“We’ve seen a reduction in the number of flu cases so far, and there are very low levels of influenza activity throughout Victoria,” the spokesman said.

“With more awareness than ever before around hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette, we hope these numbers stay low.”