Flu hitting young Aussies

YOUNG people are emerging as the most at-risk age groups for influenza as Australia sees an early start to the flu season.

National disease surveillance data has revealed that 10,599 cases have been reported this year alone, and 7173 of them were diagnosed in the two weeks to May 8.

According to the federal Health Department’s influenza surveillance report, the highest influenza notification rates this year have been among people aged 15-24 and children under 10.

There have been 153 hospital admissions due to influenza, including seven intensive care unit admissions, since the start of seasonal surveillance in April.

A new fortnightly report, due to be released this week, is expected to show the upward trend continuing.

Annual peak flu season usually runs from June to September, but Australia has not seen a typical season since 2019, thanks to Covid-19 restrictions, including the international travel ban.

Australia’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Sonya Bennett and chief nursing and midwifery officer Professor Alison McMillan urged people to maximise their protection against influenza and Covid by being vaccinated.

“Flu vaccines registered for use in Australia are safe and effective and are the best way to protect yourself from influenza and transmitting it to others,” they said.

“If you have been vaccinated, you can still get the flu, but it is generally a less severe illness.

“Getting your flu vaccination ahead of the peak flu season will provide the highest level of protection.

“This usually occurs from June to September in most parts of Australia.

“It takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to be completely effective, so organising your vaccination before June is best.”

Dr Bennett and Prof McMillan said it was important for people to be aware that Covid-19 vaccines didn’t provide protection against influenza, and the flu vaccines did not protect against Covid-19.

“For this reason, it is vital people get a flu vaccine and are also up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations, including having a Covid-19 winter booster dose if they are eligible,” they said.

Flu vaccines can be safely administered at the same time as a Covid-19 vaccine.

“This year, we are particularly concerned about young children, as many have never been exposed to the flu virus or had a flu vaccine, and have not developed any immunity, increasing the risk of complications,” Dr Bennett and Prof McMillan said.

In addition to vaccination, people should continue to practise all the prevention measures learnt from Covid.