A massive increase in the number of influenza cases across Australia has health experts urging locals to get their free flu shot.
There have been nearly 12,000 influenza cases across Queensland so far this year, including 450 in Mackay which is more than triple our average number of cases for this time of year.
President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Chris Owen says we could be in for a terrible flu season.
“Nationally, we’ve seen an increase in the number of cases of 54.8% compared to the same time last year,” he says.
“The numbers are better in Queensland where residents have access to free influenza vaccines—made possible by the Crisafulli Government—however, numbers are still up 23.7% compared to the same time last year.”
Getting immunised against influenza could be the difference between life or death for many Queenslanders.
“Access to free flu vaccines can make a real difference in how severe an influenza infection can be,” Mr Owen says.
“Already this year, there have been over 800 hospitalisations in Queensland due to influenza.”
There is some good news, with the number of Queenslanders accessing the free vaccinations on the rise.
Everyone six months and older is urged to receive an annual influenza vaccine ahead of flu season which starts in May.
“Almost 25,000 Queenslanders have received their free flu vaccination in a community pharmacy during March,” Mr Owen says.
