News

Influenza season hitting hard

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:40:00

Mildura Base Hospital is experiencing extreme levels of demand as the winter flu season hits hard.

The MBH Accident and Emergency Department recorded more than 3000 presentations in July, a 20 percent increase on the same month last year, due largely to an above-average season for influenza and other influenza-like conditions.
MBH Director of Accident and Emergency Dan Turner said figures so far indicated August would experience a similar rise.
“The flu season has really hit us here now and the past week, in particular, has been extremely busy,” Dr Turner said.
“We do our best, but the high demand does mean that wait times in the Emergency Department are stretched more than usual.  People have to wait longer and we hope they’ll understand that and are patient,” he said.
“If it is an emergency you must certainly come to the emergency department where you are in the right care, but if you just have cold or flu symptoms it might be more convenient to book into your GP or clinic.”
Dr Turner said the extremely busy winter came on top of a general rise in demand over the past six months.
“The number of category five patients, which are less-urgent cases, has increased quite dramatically this year,” he said.
“Up until the end of July we had seen 568 category five patients, compared to 408 at the same time last year, meaning a 40 percent rise.”
Dr Turner said the season’s influenza strains appeared to be highly contagious and people should limit exposure to those affected.
“It’s all the usual winter virus symptoms – fever, headache, lethargy, muscle pain, stuffy nose, sore throat and coughs,” he said.
“If you have symptoms, you should try to limit your contact with other people and definitely with the elderly, or people with respiratory issues or chronic illness.
“And if you haven’t been affected, it’s never too late to vaccinate, so still consider immunisation at a GP clinic or through a pharmacy.
“People over 65, infants, those with chronic conditions or with compromised immune systems are at particular risk, and should certainly be vaccinated if they aren’t already.”
Dr Turner said patients who were experiencing flu-like symptoms and were not in high-risk categories could generally safely manage their symptoms at home with the support of their GP or pharmacist.
“Usually the symptoms last about a week and people start to recover quickly, but if you are concerned, see your pharmacist or GP – and if it’s an emergency, come to the Emergency Department.”