No increased risk of flu for Games: health body

QUEENSLAND Health has downplayed the potential of a major health risk with flu at the Commonwealth Games, despite a massive influx of international visitors.

The event in April will attract about 672,000 visitors, at least 90,000 of whom are expected from overseas. The Bulletin has been told QH has had ongoing planning meetings about the challenge of providing enough flu vaccine during the Games.

A political source said the Games presented a difficult challenge because the public hospitals might have to combat an outbreak of a new flu strain which might not have a vaccine.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said: “There’s no clinical evidence to suggest an elevated public health risk for influenza or other diseases.

“But we’re being prudent and as well as planning for a range of contingencies, we’re encouraging visitors to protect their health as much as possible through appropriate methods such as vaccination and hygiene measures. This is similar advice we’d offer to any Australian travelling overseas.”

“Our flu season peaks around August and September, well after the Games.”