Spike in flu numbers
Summer incidences high after quiet 2018
SIGNS of summer flu appear to be on the rise in Cairns as Queensland Health reports a five-year high in statewide summer flu rates.
Confirmed influenza cases late last year were unusually high, with 1361 in November and 2028 in December.
According to Queensland Health’s acting medical director communicable disease branch, Jonathan Malo, the monthly averages were 645 and 534 for November and December, respectively, over the past five years.
“During 2018, we had a mild flu season – not only did we avoid a repeat of 2017, which was one of the worst years for flu on record, but we are set to report the lowest number of cases since 2013,” he said.
“We must remain vigilant during 2019 because, as we’ve seen in the past, flu can occur at any time of the year and every flu season can be different.”
Ramsay Pharmacy Cairns pharmacist Julie Briggs said she had seen flu symptoms on the rise in Cairns. “Anecdotally, we’ve noticed larger numbers of people coming off the street and through doctors’ surgeries looking for help with flu prevention” she said.
“Over the counter we’ve had a higher demand for cold and flu tablets, nasal decongestion, pain relief and herbal remedies.
“There’s no one factor you can really point to and say what’s causing the increase in symptoms, but the body doesn’t react well to extremes and Cairns has had a lot of extreme weather fluctuations over the past two months.”
Ms Briggs said the best way to minimise flu transmission was to practise good hygiene and stay home when feeling sick.