Mallacoota Medical Centre

CORONAVIRUS AND INFLUENZA UPDATE
Dr. Sara Renwick-Lau

COVID infections continue to disrupt and impact lives all around the world, most people are affected in some way, where it is directly through illness, mandatory isolation, or issues with services and supply chains.

In Australia, since the pandemic started, the majority of COVID cases have occurred in children, young people and those under 50 years. There have been over 8500 COVID deaths in Australia, with the majority of deaths occuring in those 70 years and above.

There are now about 30 to 60,000 new cases reported each day in Australia, which compares to about 20 to 40 new cases per day this time last year.

In Australia now, there are about 90 people in hospital ICUs and 25 ventilated patients. The current average number of COVID deaths each day in Australia is 40.

Unvaccinated Australians are over-represented in COVID deaths, making up over 50% of COVID related deaths (NSW data), despite only 5% of Australians not being fully COVID vaccinated.

If you are over 65 or have a risk factor for severe COVID you are eligible for a 4th Winter dose of COVID vaccine (Pfizer).

New antiviral medications are available that may decrease the severity of COVID infections. They can be prescribed by doctors to those most at risk of severe disease.

The antivirals work best when given as soon as possible after symptoms start and the patient has tested positive.

They don’t work much at all if they are started more than 5 days after symptoms start.

INFLUENZA (Flu)
Lock-downs have meant that we haven’t had a winter flu season in Australia for the past 2 years. This year however, surveillance of influenza cases since April has shown a sharp rise in numbers. This is still going up.

Flu, like COVID, can cause a mild, cold like illness. For some it can result in 1 or 2 weeks of illness that can stop you doing your normal activities - like work, study or holidays.

Hospitalisations in Australia due to influenza have gone up and this is putting even more pressure on the hospital systems

The majority of transmission of influenza occurs in preschool aged children and young people and the best way to protect our work-force (in particular our teachers), and those who are vulnerable is vaccination.

Because of the postitial compounded impact of Influenza this year, the Influenza vaccination has been made free for everyone for the month of June via your GP.

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE
1. Get vaccinated against COVID and Influenza (Flu vaccines free for all in June)
2. Continue to take care with social distancing where possible, wearing a mask is still an effective way to decrease transmission.
3. If you are over 75 and have COVID symptoms - let those around you know, stay in close contact with your GP, use RATs regularly and report your COVID infection to the health department 1800 675 398
4. Take advantage of free flu immunisations in June and help to reduce the burden of Influenza on workplaces, schools, hospitals and health services.

For COVID and FLU advice, care and vaccinations please call the Mallacoota Medical Centre and speak to our reception staff.