Big rise in influenza patients

l FAR NORTH

| Isaac Colman

A SURGE in influenza hospital cases in Far North Queensland has public health officials advising people to take precautions against respiratory viruses.

Tropical Public Heath Services (TPHS) are specifically concerned about viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 spreading further through the community, with major events this week such as the Cairns Show.

TPHS director Dr Richard Gair said 2042 people had been diagnosed with lab-confirmed influenza since the start of the year across the Cairns and Hinterland region.

“Influenza is a highly contagious disease that can infect a person’s upper airways and lungs,” he said. “Flu cases are increasing in our region, and this is quite a concern because we are currently in our peak tourist season.

“There is potential for flu and other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV to spread rapidly and widely ....”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service executive director Sue Henderson said Cairns Hospital was managing the surge in patients being admitted with influenza and other infectious diseases.