Flu strikes first victims

Virus-testing lab stays open all week after 79 cases this year

SEVENTY-NINE cases of the flu have been confirmed in Tasmania already this year, but the peak season is still yet to begin, health authorities say.

The confirmation of cases this month and a Royal Hobart Hospital decision to maintain laboratory testing seven days a week are no reason for an early-season panic, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says.

“We have influenza in Tasmania all year round and that’s just the way it is, based on travellers coming in and out,” said Bastian Seidel, president of the practitioners’ group.

“It’s not unusual to have influenza in April.”

The peak season hit the state in the first week of September last year, when 474 cases were notified. It capped a horror 2017 flu season with 3193 notifications, most in August and September.

“There have been 79 confirmed flu cases reported to Department of Health and Human Services so far this year,” Acting Director of Public Health Scott McKeown said.

“This is consistent with the level of flu seen in Tasmania at the same time of the year during recent years.

“The diagnosis of a single case of flu at this time of year does not mean the flu season has commenced.”

Dr Seidel said it was vital the Royal laboratory could diagnose cases round the clock, and at all times of the year.

“Patients don’t choose just to get sick between nine and five on Mondays to Fridays so the health system needs to accommodate this,” he said.

“Certainly, if needed, the Royal Hobart laboratory should be able to offer a service that can lead to better diagnosis and potentially better treatment options as well.”

The State Government’s fluTAS report includes figures to September last year, with an update not due until next month.

Dr Seidel said the information could be more readily available if federal and state authorities worked more closely.

Authorities are advising Tasmanians to visit their GP to be vaccinated by early May.

The State Government is funding jabs for children aged six months to five years.

Parents are advised to begin now if their child is receiving the vaccine for the first time, with two shots four weeks apart required.

Free vaccines are also available for the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal people over 15 and those with chronic illness.