Grave flu warnings
HORROR SEASON EXPECTED FOR FAR NORTH
PHARMACISTS in Cairns have reported a sudden high demand in flu vaccines amid reports of a prolific season ahead for the virus.
Experts are concerned that we are entering a disastrous flu season only months after reaching peak Covid cases, with the Cairns and Hinterland Health region having already recorded over 300 cases of influenza.
Director of Tropical Public Health Services Cairns, Dr Richard Gair said that the region was following the same trajectory as the rest of the state, with the number of cases soaring, as we enter flu season.
“The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service is currently experiencing a rapid increase in the number of reported influenza cases across our region” Dr Gair said.
“Since January 1 this year, we have recorded a total 330 (lab-confirmed) cases in our region, compared to just 1 case during the whole of 2021. The significant reduction last year was likely due to the number of public health measures in place at the time to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
Dr Gair urged everyone to come forward and get vaccinated this flu season, especially those with a pre-existing condition.
“We cannot afford people being complacent about flu, which can be a potentially fatal virus for vulnerable people”.
Pharmacist at Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Westcourt, Firouzeh Farihizadeh, says they have experienced a surge in people of all ages wanting the flu jab.
“We’re having an increased rate of flu vaccinations this year, there’s been much more people now coming into the flu season”.
Covid-19 still remains a major concern with 1263 new Covid cases detected in the Cairns and Hinterland region between May 5 and May 9 according to CHHHS.
Pharmacist Kathy Treacy from Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Orchid Plaza, said Rapid Antigen Tests sales have remained constant.
“RAT test sales are still fairly steady, there seems to be a lot of cold and flu going around,” she said.