Hospitals on alert as flu cases spike

Hospitals across Victoria have been put on high alert as a surge in flu cases are predicted in the state.

Flu cases have risen by 28 per cent in Victoria over the past two weeks, with experts warning of more variants and low vaccination rates as the cause for the high numbers.

One epidemiologist, Professor Adrian Esterman points to fatigue over Covid-era rules as a key reason for the high case numbers.

“Fewer and fewer people are protecting themselves with face masks and handwashing and because of that, people are more exposed to the flu than this time last year,” he told 7NEWS.

“The second reason is there’s been a bit of an early start to the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The current strain of influenza that’s circulating now is identical to that (which) was seen in last winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

“And of course we’re seeing more and more people travelling internationally, so they’re bringing that strain back.”

Prior to winter, Victorian chief health officer Clare Looker encouraged residents to get their flu shots to help protect against influenza.

“The flu can be deadly —getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones,” Dr Looker said.

“The influenza virus changes throughout the year so new vaccines are developed for each season, which is why it’s critically important to stay up to date with your shots.”

Vaccinations for influenza are recommended for anyone six months and older, and is free for those considered to be at higher risk thanks to the National Immunisation Program.

Those considered to be at risk include children aged six months to under five years old, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the number of deaths from influenza as of March 2024 is 59, 20 of those deaths in NSW, 12 in Victoria and 16 in Queensland.