Latest news with #CatherineBennett
ABC News
26-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
How to limit the spread of COVID, cold and flu at home in winter
Winter can be a contagious time of year for everything from COVID-19 to the common cold. Once someone in your household feels the first ominous tickle at the back of their throat, everyone else can feel doomed to follow. "It's always a challenge within households because we know households are the place where viruses like respiratory viruses spread really efficiently," says Catherine Bennett, Deakin University's chair of epidemiology. But there are ways to limit the risk of illnesses spreading from one family member or housemate to another, she says. Professor Bennett says if someone within your household becomes sick, it is possible you have already been exposed before they had any symptoms. However, if the sick person can isolate from the rest of household it's still worth it, she says. Ideally this would look like using a separate bedroom and bathroom to others. She says this degree of isolation is not possible or realistic for many households. Isolation can also look like someone sleeping on the couch to "reduce their risk of inhaling the virus" from their unwell partner overnight, she says. Medical director for government-funded online public health information service Healthdirect Darran Foo says if possible, the symptomatic person should remain isolated from the rest of the household until they no longer have active symptoms. For example, "no more ongoing fevers, no more coughing up lots of phlegm". If someone in the household is symptomatic, and isolating completely is not possible, Professor Bennett says a mask can help protect the rest of the household. "Wearing a mask if you're unwell can reduce your risk of passing it on to other people." Dr Foo also advises wearing a mask if it's possible and practical, particularly if you live in a smaller home like an apartment. Dr Foo recommends throwing used tissues away immediately and avoiding sharing cups, plates and cutlery in the household when someone is unwell, whether from a cold or COVID-19. "The biggest thing really is to maintain good hygiene, especially good hand hygiene," Dr Foo says. "Lots of hand washing and using sanitisers as much as possible." Professor Benett also says you should "wash your own hands more often in between touching things, even around the home" when you or someone else is sick. She recommends wiping down commonly used surfaces — such as the bathroom — more often. Any surfaces where someone has coughed may have droplets over them, she says. Professor Bennett says "bugs do so well [in winter because] we can't air our houses out". Poor ventilation will make it easier for viruses to spread, but she says increasing air turnover and introducing outdoor air can help. Open doors and windows when you can "so it's not the same air pushing right through the household that's around the person who's unwell." Dr Foo also says the more ventilation you can get at home the better, while of course avoiding hypothermia. Dr Foo says "the general advice all remains the same" if someone in the household is potentially more vulnerable. However, he says people more at risk of becoming seriously unwell may want to consult their regular healthcare professional who knows their medical history. "It really depends on that person's risk, their comorbidities and what ongoing conditions they have — and also to identify whether it's appropriate to use antiviral medication at that point in time." Professor Bennett says being diligent with mask wearing, hand washing and sanitising surfaces is particularly worth doing if someone in the house is vulnerable. Professor Bennett says being up to date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations will offer another layer of protection. "If you can't avoid infection in the household — and that's the hardest place to do it — then actually having some protection from severe illness is really important in influenza." In larger shared households there are more people to bring viruses home and that extra protection from vaccination is even more important, "particularly from severe illness in the vulnerable people in our households", Professor Bennett says. Dr Foo also encourages people to stay up to date with their vaccinations, "especially their annual flu vaccination and their COVID booster shots". This is general information only. For personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.
West Australian
25-06-2025
- Health
- West Australian
COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1: Everything you need to know about the new dominant strain and how our vaccines will hold up
A new COVID-19 variant is drawing global attention due to its rapid spread worldwide. The variant — NB.1.8.1 — is set to become the dominant strain in Australia. However, because it has mutated from known variants, the nation's vaccines are still expected to offer decent protection. NB.1.8.1 is already the dominant strain in Western Australia, according to wastewater surveillance reports. 'It's taking off pretty quickly,' Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told 'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined, but it has some new mutations as well.' These mutations have two key effects. First, the variant appears different enough from previous strains that our immune systems don't immediately recognize it. This means it can evade the immune defences developed through earlier infections or vaccinations, Bennett explained. Second, the mutations improve the variant's ability to bind to receptors in the mucosal linings of the human body. 'It just means if you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it,' Bennett said. 'People just need to be aware of infection where they can, and avoid spreading it where they can — if they've got symptoms, no matter what it is, it's not the time to socialise.' NB.1.8.1 is a descendant from Omicron JN.1 — the same strain targeted by current vaccines. 'It was wise that they invested in vaccines that were trailing along that JN.1 family,' Bennett told 'While the vaccine is not perfectly matched to this sub-variant, there is enough relationship with the JN.1 strain that is in the vaccine, that allows us to still have an effective vaccine.' This winter marks Australia's fifth with COVID-19 — though the worst impacts occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In recent months, Australians have relaxed their attitudes toward the virus, buoyed by a seasonal reprieve from high infection rates — a reprieve that has also lowered overall immunity. That complacency is one of several factors creating a perfect storm for a surge in cases: winter, waning immunity, immune evasion by the new variant, and its high transmissibility. 'All those things lining up together suggest that we might be in for a bigger winter wave, possibly even than we saw last year,' Bennett said. 'It could be the first time in a year that we see COVID really starting to impact people,' she said. Bennett noted that right now, 'is the first time that people in ICU with COVID-19 has dropped to the level it has.' These ICU rates are the lowest since 2021 — but they are expected to rise again this winter. 'The more we can do to help reduce spreading the virus around, then the better off we'll be,' Bennett said. At the height of the pandemic in Australia, deaths from COVID-19 were ten times higher than those from the flu. 'That's dropped, but it is still five times higher than the flu. So COVID-19 is still to be taken seriously,' Bennett said. The World Health Organisation recently evaluated NB.1.8.1 as a 'low risk' variant overall. That classification reflects comparisons with previous, more severe strains, but also considers current levels of population immunity and treatment availability. 'It can still make some people very sick, but it's not more severe than the last strains we've seen,' Bennett said. 'The other thing the World Health Organisation looks at, is whether the treatments we have still work, that our testing measures still work, that all of that is still okay — and it is,' she said. 'Actually having a booster shot at the start of a wave gives you the best coverage you can have through those next six to eight weeks, which is how long a wave will take.' She urged people over 65 to review their vaccination status, and reminded adults over 18 that they remain eligible for boosters. 'It pays to think about whether you've had an infection, and whether actually a booster might not be a bad thing at this stage.'
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Experts sound the alarm as new COVID-19 strain gains ground
A new COVID-19 variant is drawing global attention due to its rapid spread worldwide. The variant — NB.1.8.1 — is set to become the dominant strain in Australia. However, because it has mutated from known variants, the nation's vaccines are still expected to offer decent protection. NB.1.8.1 is already the dominant strain in Western Australia, according to wastewater surveillance reports. 'It's taking off pretty quickly,' Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told 'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined, but it has some new mutations as well.' These mutations have two key effects. First, the variant appears different enough from previous strains that our immune systems don't immediately recognize it. This means it can evade the immune defences developed through earlier infections or vaccinations, Bennett explained. Second, the mutations improve the variant's ability to bind to receptors in the mucosal linings of the human body. 'It just means if you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it,' Bennett said. 'People just need to be aware of infection where they can, and avoid spreading it where they can — if they've got symptoms, no matter what it is, it's not the time to socialise.' NB.1.8.1 is a descendant from Omicron JN.1 — the same strain targeted by current vaccines. 'It was wise that they invested in vaccines that were trailing along that JN.1 family,' Bennett told 'While the vaccine is not perfectly matched to this sub-variant, there is enough relationship with the JN.1 strain that is in the vaccine, that allows us to still have an effective vaccine.' This winter marks Australia's fifth with COVID-19 — though the worst impacts occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In recent months, Australians have relaxed their attitudes toward the virus, buoyed by a seasonal reprieve from high infection rates — a reprieve that has also lowered overall immunity. That complacency is one of several factors creating a perfect storm for a surge in cases: winter, waning immunity, immune evasion by the new variant, and its high transmissibility. 'All those things lining up together suggest that we might be in for a bigger winter wave, possibly even than we saw last year,' Bennett said. 'It could be the first time in a year that we see COVID really starting to impact people,' she said. Bennett noted that right now, 'is the first time that people in ICU with COVID-19 has dropped to the level it has.' These ICU rates are the lowest since 2021 — but they are expected to rise again this winter. 'The more we can do to help reduce spreading the virus around, then the better off we'll be,' Bennett said. At the height of the pandemic in Australia, deaths from COVID-19 were ten times higher than those from the flu. 'That's dropped, but it is still five times higher than the flu. So COVID-19 is still to be taken seriously,' Bennett said. The World Health Organisation recently evaluated NB.1.8.1 as a 'low risk' variant overall. That classification reflects comparisons with previous, more severe strains, but also considers current levels of population immunity and treatment availability. 'It can still make some people very sick, but it's not more severe than the last strains we've seen,' Bennett said. 'The other thing the World Health Organisation looks at, is whether the treatments we have still work, that our testing measures still work, that all of that is still okay — and it is,' she said. 'Actually having a booster shot at the start of a wave gives you the best coverage you can have through those next six to eight weeks, which is how long a wave will take.' She urged people over 65 to review their vaccination status, and reminded adults over 18 that they remain eligible for boosters. 'It pays to think about whether you've had an infection, and whether actually a booster might not be a bad thing at this stage.'
News.com.au
02-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Poll: Are you getting the Covid booster shot?
Australians are being urged to get their Covid booster shot as a new contagious variant – already spreading overseas – is expected to drive a winter wave across the country. Just over six per cent of Aussies have received a booster shot in the last six months, with 1.3 million Covid vaccine doses administered to people 18 and older, national data shows. 'To know that those rates are down is a worry because we still see people in hospital,' Deakin University Professor and Epidemiology Chair Catherine Bennett told 'While we now thankfully see fewer deaths due to Covid … in 2024, they're still five times higher than influenza. So Covid is still something to worry about.' Last year, there were 4,981 deaths involving Covid-19 and 1,006 deaths related to influenza, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. As we head further into winter, the NB. 1.8.1 variant – a descendant of the Omicron JN. 1 – is expected to become the dominant variant across the country. 'It's quite infectious. So, it's one that's particularly capable of latching on to our respiratory linings,' said Ms Bennett. 'We're seeing it right across the globe and it has that advantage that it's easier to spread and we're not as immune to it.' 'So it will be the one that drives our winter wave here.' The World Health Organisation (WHO) last month designated NB. 1.8.1 – which is driving up infections in Asia – as a 'variant under monitoring'. Like previous Omicron variants, Ms Bennett said symptoms don't always present like a cold or a respiratory infection. 'For some people, it will just be like a tummy bug, diarrhoea, and fever. You (also) hear a lot of people describing it as a weird bug, where it just doesn't feel right and you're not quite sure if you're unwell or not,' she said. 'People can also still lose their sense of taste and smell with this variant.' Ms Bennett said the rise of an infectious variant coupled with likely waning public immunity from Australia's 'mild summer wave' could lead to a rise in hospitalisations. 'We didn't see the same rise in hospitalisation that we have over other summers. So, for a lot of people, they would have avoided an infection over summer. 'So there's a combination of (NB. 1.8.1) being infectious and looking different so our immune response isn't strong, combined with probably more waning immunity that we've seen for a while because we've had less infection around compared to previous winters.' Covid booster and flu shot Winter is also expected to bring influenza and more cases of Rhinovirus. 'There's been rhinovirus circulating and people have nasty colds that have included fever and lasted for more than a week,' said Ms Bennett. To better protect ourselves against Covid, Ms Bennett encouraged Aussies to consider getting the booster now, in the early days of winter, as it takes a 'couple of weeks to work'. 'Covid and flu are still coming, so, I think people should watch out over winter. It's a good time if you're due for a booster and particularly if you haven't had the infection over the summer, then it's definitely worth thinking about.' 'Health authorities are still really particularly recommending boosters for people who are 65 and older, and if they're 75 and older or they're immunocompromised, then they might also be eligible for two doses a year, which would help them get through summer and winter waves.' Adults aged 18–64 years who do not have severe immunocompromise are recommended to receive a single primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and can consider a further dose every 12 months, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care. 'The vaccines we have are JN1 targeted, and so that's good because this a descendant from the JN1 variant. 'We do know vaccines help protect against long Covid as well. And so again and they that's more of an impact for younger healthier adults.' Ms Bennett said Aussies can have their flu shot at the same time as the Covid vaccine – the latter of which has been found to reduce the risk of hospitalisation by 90 per cent. 'This is not a bad time to actually have both flu and Covid vaccines at the same time ahead of the winter wave. It gives you the best benefit from having both those vaccines.' A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found receiving a Covid booster alongside the flu shot could reduce the hospital admission rate for Covid by up to 14 per cent. 'Good position over winter' On Friday, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler urged younger people to consider getting a booster and older people, in particular, to get vaccinated. 'I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got the Covid vaccine,' Mr Butler, who had just received his booster shot, told ABC radio. 'If you are over 75, you should have one if it's more than six months since you had your last booster. 'If you're 65 to 74, if it's more than 12 months and for everyone else, have a serious think. 'I've just got my booster over the last couple of weeks, and I think that puts me in a good position over winter, and other Australians should make sure that they equip themselves similarly.' Ms Bennett said while she doesn't want to incite panic over Covid, Australians should be aware. 'It's important that people know what's happening, that they know that in the next few weeks, each time they go out, here's a greater risk there's someone with Covid in their mix.' 'For people who are particularly vulnerable, it just might mean having a quiet a few weeks over winter where they mix less and they go out more carefully,' she added. 'People will wear masks again as well to protect themselves, and that's good. If we can all kind of do a little bit to keep infection rates down, that will make our winter safer for everyone.' Queensland record low vaccine rates The reminder comes as new figures released last week show Covid vaccination rates in Queensland are at their lowest since the jabs were introduced five years ago. Fewer than 250,000 Queenslanders have received their free Covid booster this year, prompting urgent calls from doctors to people who have not yet been vaccinated to get the jab. Data from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing revealed more than 15,000 Covid cases had been reported in Queensland since January, with almost 3000 people hospitalised with the virus. 'We have dropped the ball with Covid-19 vaccinations, but this disease is still very prevalent in the community and poses a serious threat to high-risk patients,' Mater director of infectious diseases Paul Griffin said. 'Particularly for high-risk people, it should now be a once-a-year booster, just like the flu vaccine is, and with winter here next week, now is the time to get vaccinated and it's safe to get them both together.' The NB 1.8.1 strain is yet to take a dominant hold in Queensland, where the variant accounts for about 10 per cent of cases, Griffith University research shows. But in the meantime, Queensland health providers are dealing with high cases of both flu and RSV, in addition to Covid. More than 2000 Queenslanders have been hospitalised with influenza this year. Cases are up more than 30 per cent from the same time last year, but only a quarter of Queenslanders have been vaccinated. 'We are at our lowest levels of vaccination and protection in five years and with early rises in cases with winter approaching, the impact on our healthcare system could be significant, particularly with high levels of flu and RSV,' Professor Griffin said. The Covid and flu vaccines are free in Queensland and available at most pharmacies and GP clinics, and they are safe to receive at the same time. In addition to Covid and the flu, about 12,000 cases of RSV have been reported in Queensland this year, with more than 1500 people hospitalised. 'More than half of these hospitalisations have been for the most vulnerable in our community, babies less than six months and people over 65,' Professor Griffin said. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation for babies in Australia, and Queensland recorded the highest number of deaths due to RSV last year. RSV vaccinations are free for pregnant women, and the immunity is then passed on to babies until they are six months old.
Sky News AU
30-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
'Becoming the dominant strain': New sub variant of Covid-19 wreaking havoc as epidemiologist encourages vaccinations amid rising infections
A distinguished epidemiologist has issued a warning over a new strain of Covid-19 as infection rates in Australia continue to rise. Omicron strain subvariant NB.1.8.1 is spreading fast in Queensland, which has seen a sudden spike in the number of people infected with Covid-19. A report by Queensland Health said 671 people were diagnosed with the disease in the week ending May 25, which was an 18 per cent increase from the week prior. There had been 15,693 notified cases of Covid-19 in the state since the beginning of this year according to the report, meaning an average of over 100 new cases per day. There were 54 people in hospital with the disease in Queensland as of Sunday, and the health authority reported 3,388 hospitalised cases between January 1 and May 25. The strain is also the most dominant variant in wastewater samples taken in Perth, while it makes up less than 10 per cent of cases in South Australia, and more than 40 per cent in Victoria. Deakin University distinguished professor and chair in epidemiology Catherine Bennett said NB.1.81. is a sub-variant, related to the JN.1 family of variants and was first reported in January 2025. "It's quickly becoming the dominant strain in both northern and southern hemispheres and will be the variant responsible for our next wave that's on our doorstep," she told "The variant doesn't seem to cause more severe disease but it has a different combination of mutations on the spike protein that make it less recognisable to our immune system and is also better at latching onto receptors in our respiratory linings, making it more infectious. "So those two things together, better able to escape our immune response and more infectious, means will spread quickly and replace older variants." Professor Bennett said Covid vaccines will still be effective in protecting against "severe disease" as it still targets the JN.1 family of variants. She urged more vulnerable people to stay up to date with their vaccines to prevent serious illness. "People over 65 are encouraged to stay up to date with a booster each year, two if over 75, and now is the best time to have it if due as this will then have time to build protection at the start of this wave and provide some protection through the wave which usually lasts 6-8 weeks. People who are immunocompromised should also check their booster status," she said. "Because we had a quiet summer wave most other adults won't have had the same natural boosting as in previous years, so (they) might also want to consider having a booster if it's been a while since they had an infection. "(There's) a few nasty bugs around already with RSV rates in try rise and rhinovirus causing some nasty colds, so also time to be aware of our own symptoms and trying not to spread infections ourselves, whatever virus it is."
