Flu cases are surging, while vaccination rates are lagging in South Australia this year. We spoke to an expert about why it’s never too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu vax.
Winter’s in full swing, and so is the flu. While we all love those cosy nights in, nobody wants to spend them shivering with a fever, aching all over and feeling like they’ve been hit by a truck. And if you’ve got kids, you definitely don’t want them going through that either.
Flu facts at a glance
- Influenza (flu) is an infection of the nose, throat and sometimes lungs caused by flu viruses.
- It spreads easily and quickly between people through coughing, talking, sneezing and touching contaminated hands, tissues and other items.
- Flu can cause serious illness, complications and hospitalisation for anyone, but some people are at even higher risk.
- In South Australia, seasonal flu occurs every year, usually between May and September.
- Flu viruses are constantly changing, so vaccination every year is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.
Want more info? It’s here – including fact sheets to download.
Why we should be worried
Right now, SA Health is sounding the alarm to get South Australians vaccinated. Acting Executive Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch Noel Lally says flu cases are on the rise, while vaccination rates among vulnerable South Australians are down on this time last year.
Among 18–64-year-olds eligible for a free flu shot, only 22 per cent have rolled up their sleeves so far, while 61 per cent of those over 65 have been vaxed. And then there’s the most worrying stat: Less than 18 per cent of the state’s children aged six months to under five years have had their 2024 flu jab.
Why your kids need the flu shot ASAP
Noel says there tends to be a higher burden of disease among children under five. “What that means is we’re seeing more cases in that age group, but also poorer health outcomes for young children who catch the flu as well,” Noel says. “It’s not a mild disease at all, for anybody, but it can be particularly severe for very young children.”
Noel says he doesn’t want to scare parents, but there have already been hospitalisations this year of children under five with influenza. “It’s a serious disease and it can be fatal,” he says. “The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and we really encourage parents to get their children vaccinated.” It’s also free for children in that age group.
Joe Slattery is a South Australian parent who makes sure his whole family is up-to-date with their flu shots every year – including his young daughter Holly.
“I encourage other parents to get their children vaccinated, especially if they’re attending child care,” Joe says. “Kids touch, kiss and sample things so I’d absolutely recommend giving the flu vaccine to little kids as well as adults. There’s always someone with a snotty nose, so definitely take every precaution you can.”
Who can get the free flu vax?
The flu vaccine is free for around 600,000 at-risk South Australians, including:
- Kids aged six months to under five years
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Those with chronic health conditions like serious asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
If you or your family members fall into any of these categories, you may be eligible for the free jab. Find out here.
What about the rest of us?
Yeah, we get it. You’re young, fit and invincible, right? Wrong! Noel says young, healthy people who aren’t vaccinated can still get “very, very sick” from the flu. “You can end up in hospital and people do die from influenza disease.” Plus, the flu shot only costs around $25 – that’s less than a decent coffee and sando, and much more valuable!
It’s not just about you!
Getting vaxed helps keep the whole community safer. “By getting vaccinated, you actually limit the potential of the influenza virus to spread around,” Noel says. “That’s particularly important when you think about whether you have contact frequently with people who are at risk or immunocompromised.”
Noel says if you have elderly grandparents, parents, or very young infants in your family, then getting vaccinated is about protecting them as well as yourself. After all, how would you feel if you spread the flu to your granny and she ended up in hospital?
Getting jabbed is a breeze
Getting your flu vax is fast and simple. Book an appointment with your usual GP, participating community clinic or your nearest pharmacy offering jabs. A lot of pharmacies even offer easy online bookings, so you can get vaxed during your next lunch break. Remember, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to fully kick in. So, the sooner you get your jab, the sooner you and your family are protected.
Check your COVID-19 protection too!
Noel says you should speak to your immunisation provider about whether you’re eligible for a free COVID-19 booster at the same time as your flu vaccination. It’s completely safe to have both at once and all South Australians aged five and up should be rolling up their sleeves for a booster at least every 12 months. No one wants to be hit by a double-whammy dose of flu AND Covid-19, so make sure your protection is up-to-date.
Practical steps to stop the spread
While Noel stresses that the best defence against a bad case of flu is vaccination, there are other, sensible things we can do to stop the spread. These include:
- If you need to cough or sneeze, grab a tissue or use your elbow – not your hand! Toss that tissue in the bin right away, then wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching anything that might have germs from your nose or throat. Soap and water are best, but hand sanitiser works in a pinch.
- Regularly wipe down surfaces that lots of people touch, like doorknobs and light switches. A damp cloth with some detergent will do the trick, or you can use a disinfectant wipe.
- If you have the flu, don’t try to be a hero and rock up to work anyway – you’ll actually be entering your villain era and spreading your germs to colleagues!
What if my child gets sick with the flu?
If your child is sick but doesn’t have severe symptoms, Noel says it’s best to call your usual primary care provider, such as your GP, for support. If a GP appointment is too hard to find, you can call Health Direct to talk to a registered nurse, 24/7, on 1800 022 222. Health Direct also offers a handy online symptom checker to help work out how sick your child really is and the appropriate action to take.
There’s also the Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service if things are more serious, which connects families remotely with a virtual team of highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
However, if you’re concerned that it’s an emergency or life-threatening situation, you should always call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance or attend your nearest hospital’s emergency department. Find out more here.
For more information and reasons to get you and your family vaccinated against the flu, click here.
