Flu cases nearly double

RESIDENTS are coughing through winter with nearly double the number of flu cases as the average of previous years recorded across North Queensland.

The number of laboratoryconfirmed influenza cases in the area from Mackay and Mount Isa to Townsville so far this year was 776 compared to 398 in years past. Health care service House Call Doctor chief operating officer Craig Glover said there had been “a spike in the number of flu cases” since winter began in Townsville, with more than 200 patients presenting with flu or flu- like symptoms in the last month.

Queensland Health figures show a decrease of 41 cases of lab- tested flu compared with the same time last year in Townsville – also considered a “bad year”.

But the real number of cases could be much higher because notifications represent a fraction of the true disease incidence and because the count is only for cases meeting specific criteria, such as a lab test.

Health authorities have cautioned against the word “spike” and argue year- to- date data cannot accurately predict the winter flu season peak rates.

Changes this year could be affected by rates of testing and the timing of small clusters.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board chair Tony Mooney said local health authorities did significant work in preparing for this year’s influenza season, including a major public awareness campaign about the importance of vaccination.

He said a free influenza vaccine program now also included children aged between six months and five years.

“The Townsville Hospital this year received a rapid influenza testing machine, funded by the Government, following a major statewide influenza summit I attended in October last year,” he said.

“The ( health service) spent $ 80,000 to overhaul the hand hygiene campaign at Townsville Hospital to improve the community’s understanding of how important good hand hygiene is in preventing the spread of illnesses such as ( flu).

“It is pleasing that the community is really taking on board the importance of getting the ( flu) vaccination.”

Dr Roscoe Taylor, acting director of Townsville Public Health Unit, warned the “true influenza virus” was different to ordinary coughs or colds and could be more serious.

“Influenza causes a potentially serious respiratory illness which can circulate in the tropics year round,” she said.

“And is easily spread from person to person. While we typically see increases in influenza presentations in the winter months, it is an illness that circulates through the community year- round.”

The flu is spread by droplets produced while coughing and sneezing and through close contact.

Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and headache among others but is more severe than the common cold.