National flu death toll tops 250

The nationwide total of more than 130,000 cases is already more than double 2018’s 12-month tally, and concerns are growing after reports that lab testing has confirmed the H3N2 influenza strain has mutated, potentially impacting the effectiveness of vaccines.
 
Most recently, a 13-year-old Victorian girl died at home only three days after falling ill with flu-like symptoms, while last week a two-year-old boy in Western Australia lost his life after his condition deteriorated rapidly.
 
A spate of influenza cases has prompted emergency warnings in South Australia, where to date there have been about 20,000 confirmed cases compared to around 1500 at the same time last year, while New South Wales has urged friends and relatives of aged-care residents to get vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks.
 
Western Australia has also acted to try and control the virus’ spread by allowing pharmacists to provide influenza vaccinations to children as young as 10, despite concerns from medical groups.
 
Nearly every state and territory has already surpassed the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza notifications recorded for the entirety of 2018. South Australia, which has had issues with vaccine distribution, has been the most severely affected, with 1154 reported cases per 100,000 people, compared with the national average of nearly 529. 

South Australia has recorded 1154 lab-confirmed influenza cases per 100,000 people so far in 2019, more than double the national average.
 
At a new influenza awareness campaign launch over the weekend, South Australian Health Minister Stephen Wade said his state has distributed a record number of vaccines and urged people to not take undue risks with their health.
 
‘This new campaign does a great job of illustrating just how easily the flu can spread,’ he said.
 
‘The flu virus is spread by human contact and can live up to 48 hours on hard, smooth surfaces such as door handles, playground equipment and desktops.
 
‘We’re asking all South Australians to remember they … have an important role to play in stopping the spread of flu.’
 
Meanwhile, NSW health Director of Communicable Disease Dr Vicky Sheppeard has reminded people to consider all available options, such as their local GP or medical centre, to take pressure off the state’s under-pressure emergency departments.
 
‘The flu season is already making its impact felt around the country, with more patients presenting to NSW emergency departments so far in 2019 than in any other six-month period,’ Dr Sheppeard said.
 
‘We are again encouraging everyone to take advantage of the free flu vaccine as it is still not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is still the best protection, and simple hand hygiene is also important.
 
‘If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact with other people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly until you have recovered.’
 
Australian flu deaths by state and territory:

• NSW: 66
• SA: 50
• Vic: 50
• WA: 41
• QLD: 38
• NT: 4
• ACT: <5
• Tas: 1

deaths influenza vaccine