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Queensland is experiencing one of the worst influenza seasons, with thousands of patients flooding hospitals with insufficient resources while experts were desperately trying to identify the aggressive strain.
The number of Queenslanders diagnosed with the flu this season is almost three times higher than average, and the state's public health system has succumbed to pressure.
At least 6,500 people have been diagnosed with the flu since the beginning of the year and state hospitals – already at full capacity – have had to create space in unused rooms to accommodate patients requiring medical treatment.
In the face of growing public pressure, Queensland's Minister of Health Steven Miles has begun urgent talks with health officials to find a way to handle the growing number of influenza patients.
The growing number of influenza cases in the state has also prompted the government to provide $ 3 million in emergency funding to help hospitals meet demand.
Ten hospitals reported a "yellow code" last month – meaning their facilities were at full capacity and they could not take another patient.
The yellow code was canceled this week after the provision of about 200 beds for patients.
Queensland Health reported that hospitals in South Brisbane were so full that staff were forced to use transit beds and spaces that were not "normally used for beds" to accommodate patients.
The Gold Coast's public hospitals found 43 additional beds, added additional nurses and sent patients to private hospitals willing to accept them nearby.
The cause of the unprecedented outbreak of summer flu is a mystery, as the virus usually strikes in August and September.
Kirsty Short, influenza virologist at the University of Queensland, told news.com.au that this year's flu had left researchers scratching their heads.
"It's a very strange seasonal flu, and we do not know what caused this huge spike, but we're actively studying the issue," said Dr. Short.
"The number of cases has been exceptionally high. The season has certainly not been good in Queensland. "
Experts are studying many theories, including the theory that a large number of travelers have potentially brought back the virus from the northern hemisphere.
"It could also be an existing strain that has mutated, giving the virus the ability to escape people's immune systems," said Dr. Short.
Nancy Lee, a consultant to the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness, said the flu crisis in Queensland was an example of a public health situation in which it was essential to be ready.
"Every time you have an illness that puts pressure on the health care system, whether you define it as an epidemic or not, is really a concern for the public, health practitioners and beyond," he said. she declared.
Lee said Queensland's public health problem should serve as a lesson for the country's public health authorities.
"Whether it's influenza in Queensland or an Ebola outbreak, infectious diseases can spread extremely rapidly, and it's important that you get vaccinated and prepared for it." that moment, "she said.
PREPARE FOR THE FLU SEASON
Dr. Short said that there were a number of simple techniques to prevent the spread of the flu.
"The most important thing is hand washing," she said.
"The virus can spread by touch, so if you have a sniff or wipe your nose, wash your hands to prevent it from spreading further."
The hand sanitizer spray or gel can also help when a bathroom is not nearby.
Although handwashing is a "simple hygiene tool," Dr. Short said that many people often neglected the most basic things.
VACCINATION
According to Dr. Short, the best weapon against the flu is vaccination.
"The influenza vaccine is available to everyone and it is important to stay informed about your progress," she said.
Some believe that the growing number of influenza cases is linked to the growing number of anti-vaxxers in northern New South Wales, but Dr. Short said the argument was at best tenuous.
"It's very difficult to do an accurate badysis of the anti-vaxxer influence on the flu season, because influenza vaccines do not protect against all strains," she said.
"We are still studying the cause of this flu epidemic."
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
According to Dr. Short, many people ignore the signs that they are not doing well.
"If you do not feel good and you think you have something, do not go to work, do not force," she said.
"It's very difficult when you have responsibilities, but no one will want you to work where you could possibly spread your disease."
CHRONIC DISEASE
Dr. Short said that a chronic illness, such as obesity and diabetes, could influence your vulnerability to the flu virus.
"You're much more likely to spread the virus if you're obese, for example, than if you have a healthy weight," said Dr. Short.
"Obese people also respond relatively little to the seasonal flu vaccine."
As society continues to face the growing numbers of people living with chronic illness, Dr. Short said that staying fit and healthy would also increase the chances of avoiding the flu this season.
Originally published under the pseudonym Qld affected by a major influenza epidemic
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