Hospitals facing triple threat as influenza cases rise in Aussie state

SYDNEY - Health authorities of Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) urged residents to get vaccinated against flu as it continues to see a rise of influenza cases amid high Covid-19 infections.

NSW Health said on Tuesday that the state's hospitals are facing a triple threat with high numbers of Covid-19 cases, a surge in flu cases and staff furloughing due to illness.

The significant pressure is also challenging the availability of staff of emergency departments across the state.

"With almost no exposure to flu these past two years, it is imperative we all get a flu jab to protect ourselves and the community," NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

Up until Tuesday, 14,812 flu cases have been reported in NSW this year and 3,349 people have presented to emergency departments with influenza-like illness.

On Wednesday, the state also reported 8,970 new Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths. There were 1,209 people with the virus in hospitals and 35 people in ICU.

Under the pressure, children aged six months to five years old are of particular concern. Parents were told to be alert about this flu season and get their child vaccinated.

NSW Chief Paediatrician Matt O'Meara said this young group is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of flu.

"At least 10 per cent of children admitted to hospital with flu will be so sick that they need intensive care. Parents can reduce the risk of that happening, just by getting their child vaccinated," O'Meara said.

Flu vaccines are free in NSW for people who are considered to be at higher risk of developing into severe illness, such as children from six months to under five years of age, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions.

NSW government is also considering making the flu vaccines free for other people across the state as cases are skyrocketing, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday.

"Hopefully, we will follow the path, but it's a little too early yet. We just need to make sure the system works," Hazzard told ABC. - XINHUA