Combat Influenza Outbreak: Tips for Healthy Living

Cases of influenza , whooping cough , and gastroenteritis have surged , putting unprecedented pressure on hospitals , particularly affecting young children . The rise in illness is concerning health authorities in New South Wales , prompting urgent calls for vaccination against the flu.

In 2024 , more than 170,000 influenza cases have been confirmed , with nearly 30 percent of them affecting children under nine years old . This marks a 27 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023 . The Royal College of General Practitioners reports that many cases go untested , indicating the actual numbers could be higher . As winter approaches in warmer areas , experts anticipate a further rise in infections.

The increase in flu cases has led to overwhelming demand on emergency departments , with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park describing the situation as unprecedented . In Victoria , despite a sixfold rise in flu - related emergency department visits , influenza vaccine coverage remains low across all age groups , including children . Health officials attribute the surge in flu cases to factors such as reduced immunity post - COVID-19 , international travel , and people going to work while sick.

In addition to influenza , cases of whooping cough have exceeded pre - pandemic levels in 2024 , with over 12,900 infections reported so far . Children under 14 account for more than 60 percent of cases , prompting warnings from NSW health authorities about high infection rates in school - aged children . Pertussis can be fatal for infants , with some patients testing positive for multiple viruses simultaneously.

Moreover , a particular strain of gastroenteritis has tripled the total number of cases in 2023 , reaching over 11,700 infections . This illness , caused by a parasite , is spread through swimming pools , highlighting the importance of staying out of the water if symptomatic . Dr. Michael Clements emphasizes the need for vaccination and expresses concerns about the significant increase in preventable diseases . While it is challenging to predict the peak of the current surge , health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against infectious diseases to protect individuals and communities.