Offices and classrooms across the country are emptier than usual as Australia goes through one of its worst flu seasons in years.
Almost half of the 88,357 cases of flu in Australia this year have been in New South Wales, the Daily Telegraph reports.
In Queensland, dozens of extra frontline medical staff and hospital beds are being brought on amid the unprecedented flu season.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said 19,216 flu cases had been confirmed in the state this year.
Almost half of the 88,357 cases of flu in Australia this year have been in New South Wales
Mr Dick said new models of care, an extra 90 hospitals beds and 40 additional paramedics would be brought on by September after a 13 per cent rise in emergency help calls for the flu.
‘The most significant growth has been in Code 1 cases, the most critical patients, where there has been a 22 per cent increase in the past week, compared to the same period last year,’ he said.
Meanwhile, NSW health authorities say almost 10,000 people arrived at emergency departments with flu-like symptoms last week.
More than 42,000 people have been hit by flu since the start of the year – with businesses reporting that sick employees are taking up to a week off work because of it, according to the Telegraph.
A single strain of flu is the usually the cause of outbreaks, but this year, there are four
Frank Ribuot, the boss of recruitment firm Randstad, told the newspaper that it had seen a 10 per cent rise in the demand for temporary staff in recent weeks – particularly those in ‘frontline’ roles such as teachers, receptionists and customer service workers.
A single strain of flu is the usually the cause of outbreaks, but this year, there are four: two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B strains.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, NSW Health’s Director Communicable Diseases, said people with flu symptoms should take extra care to avoid spreading their infection.
‘Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of used tissues and washing hands thoroughly and often are simple precautions people can take from spreading flu,’ Dr Sheppeard said.
‘We are seeing high levels of both influenza A and B strains circulating in the community, which places vulnerable people at high risk of catching the influenza and developing severe complications.’
Dr Sheppeard said people with flu symptoms should also avoid going out unless it’s to see their doctor, and they should stay away from school and work until they have fully recovered.