'Post-COVID' flu could be quite troublesome, say experts

middle aged woman blowing her nose

Experts are concerned that Australians are downplaying the prospect of a serious flu season in 2022.

A new consumer survey asked 1000 adults aged 18 years and over about their attitudes to the flu.

The results showed less than half (45 per cent) of those surveyed think flu is a serious enough to cause death in vulnerable people. Three in 10 (29 per cent) say they are not intending to get vaccinated against the flu while another 11 per cent are still undecided.

Those who do not intend to get the flu vaccination in 2022 are also more likely to say that flu is not a serious condition (29 per cent compared to 11 per cent of those who intend to get the vaccination).

Experts are worried that the reawakening of 'post-COVID' flu could be quite troublesome.

“For the last two years, we've had next to no flu, and vaccination rates have been low as well. As a consequence, the level of community protection has dropped significantly,” said infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy.

“I’m concerned about the correlation between people who do not think that flu is serious and those who do not intend to get vaccinated."

Baby Boomers are more likely than younger generations to get the flu vaccine (73 per cent compared to 57 per cent Gen X, 55 per cent Millennials and 43 per cent Gen Z). 

Prof. Booy says recent calls to “treat COVID just like flu” has had the unintended consequence of portraying flu as a milder disease.

“People need reminding that we’ve had some bad flu seasons in the past. Modelling data from 2010-2019, estimates that Australia averaged nearly 2800 annual flu deaths, with more than 6400 estimated deaths in 2017 and over 5200 in 2019," he says.

"There is no way of predicting what 2022 will be like so we need to do everything we can now to prepare.” 

After two mild seasons of flu in Australia, limited personal contact and reduced international travel has clearly had an impact on attitudes, with only 36 per cent of respondents saying they are concerned about the upcoming flu season.

“The last few years have demonstrated how viruses can impact our lives, especially when we have low immunity," says Dr Daniel Furtner, Medical Director Vaccines & Biosecurity at Seqirus – the company that condeucted the survey.

"It’s important that we continue to focus on public health efforts including protecting high-risk communities, reducing transmission and helping people recover quickly.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re unwell, social distancing, mask-wearing on public transport and vaccination will continue to be important measures for protecting us from viruses like flu.”

Are you concerned about the 2022 flu season? Or has COVID overshadowed the seriousness of influenza?

6 comments

In my opinion we should be concerned about the 2022 flu season especially in view of the borders being opened as winter starts.

Hence I've already had my Flu Shot and continue to sanitize my hands and wear a mask in enclosed areas.

 

I agree, it is even more important to have the flu jab this year.

Being complacent could have dire consequences. I am having mine soon.

 

 

Well...I had my flu jab yesterday. Just a slight sore arm, but otherwise no problem.

Very important to have your jab this year. 

Flu vaccination in 2021 | Australian Government Department of Health

I'm having mine tomorrow.

Very important to have your jab this year. 

Certainly agree with that Sophie.

Hope you don't have too much discomfort with your flu vax today, RnR :)

Had it this morning Sophie ... all good so far.

cue the cold and flu ads to encourage people get out and about so they can share the love

Are you sharing the love Farside by having your flu vax!

6 comments



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