Influenza cases spike in South Australia

Influenza cases in South Australia (SA) have spiked, prompting concerns about pressure on the hospital system. According to data released by SA Health, the number of confirmed flu cases in the state surged by 673 to 1,868 in the past seven days, reports Xinhua news agency. It comes as health authorities warn that a spike in flu and Covid-19 cases could put severe pressure on the health system. Chris Picton, SA's Health Minister, urged everyone to take up free flu vaccines and "do their bit" to save lives. "This is a concern as our hospitals and hardworking staff manage both Covid and flu cases, and normal winter demand," he told News Corp Australia. "You can protect yourself and your loved ones, and stay out of hospital this winter." The Guardian Australia on Thursday published data revealing the number of workers who took sick leave in the first half of May was 50 percent higher than the long-term average. Karen Price, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said levels of illness in the community were unusually high. "We've got a larger proportion of the population who have not been exposed to viruses much in the last two years, other than Covid, of which there is still high community transmission," she said. (IANS)

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