Latest news with #NSWRespiratorySurveillanceReport
The Advertiser
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Fever pitch: increase in hospitalisations as influenza cases spike
Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID." Influenza cases have surged by 58 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. Virologist Nathan Bartlett said "there's been a clear upward rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community". "We're definitely seeing an uptick in fever and cough," he said. Professor Bartlett, of Hunter Medical Research Institute, said flu season began with a surge of cases in May. "It's now intensifying," he said. "It's partially linked to global flu trends. The H3N2 strain is the troublemaker. It mutates and reduces the effectiveness of immunity." Professor Bartlett, of the University of Newcastle, said "the US had a record flu season in their winter just gone". "A bad flu season in the Northern Hemisphere does increase the risk for a bad flu season in Australia," he said. "There are a lot of factors that can determine that link, but it certainly is a predictor." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level". "Influenza vaccinations are important at this time, especially for people who are at risk of severe disease," the report said. The report listed 487 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu and 294 COVID cases in Hunter New England for the week ending June 28. In the previous week, these numbers were 309 and 241, respectively. "COVID-19 is stable at a moderate level of activity. RSV activity is still high but may have peaked." The report said emergency department (ED) presentations and admissions for COVID-19 were stable. "The number of presentations for influenza-like illness has been increasing since May, and the number of admissions is now also increasing." ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis in young children were high, but decreasing in those aged under one. For children under five with bronchiolitis, 76 per cent of presentations and 83 per cent of admissions were for infants aged under one. Professor Bartlett said the latest variants of COVID "did not seem to be any more pathogenic or nasty than previous versions". "COVID can cause a nasty cold, but be more severe for certain people. It continues to evolve and circulate at pretty high levels." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829). A US study published in the Lancet in May said, "a growing body of evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can persist for months or years following COVID-19 in a subset of individuals". A "reservoir" of the virus was "potentially driving long-COVID symptoms". An Australian study, published in the British Medical Journal, said "COVID-19 vaccines might have protective and therapeutic effects on long COVID". "More robust comparative observational studies and trials are needed, however, to clearly determine the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing and treating long COVID."
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Concerning': COVID and flu cases rising, as NSW Health issues warning
COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this. COVID cases have risen by 22 per cent and influenza cases by 32 per cent in a week in Hunter New England, health data shows. "The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise," a NSW Health statement said. COVID cases had increased since early May. "Concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over," the statement said. The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, released on Thursday, said "COVID and influenza vaccinations are especially important at this time for people who are at risk of severe disease". The report showed weekly counts of unplanned emergency department presentations for COVID had spiked to about 400 statewide. Hospital admissions had risen to more than 100. For influenza-like illness, these figures were about 500 and less than 100 respectively. In NSW, 3475 people in NSW tested positive for COVID in the week ending June 14. This was a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. "Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus," the statement said. Dr Jeremy McAnulty, of Health Protection NSW, said COVID was "circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase". "While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people - especially those aged 65 and over - to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said. "Boosters are recommended for people 75 and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months. "COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors or are immunocompromised." He said people with COVID aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, were "eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness" if taken early enough. "These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly." The Newcastle Herald reported last month that the Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023. The data, which included New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Canadian research, published in Nature Communications this month, examined frequent COVID vaccination in vulnerable people. The report said there had been concerns that repeated boosters may contribute to "T-cell exhaustion", which could "negatively affect the quality of immune protection". T-cells help protect the body from infection. The study found repeated COVID vaccination was "not associated with increased T-cell exhaustion in older frail adults, immunosuppressed individuals or healthy adults". University of Melbourne research, released this week, said "catching common respiratory viruses raises your short-term risk of a heart attack or stroke". "Common viruses, such as those that cause flu and COVID, can trigger them," the study said, adding that vaccination could help reduce this.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
New Covid subvariant NB. 1.8.1 detected in NSW, WA
A new Covid-19 subvariant, NB. 1.8.1, is beginning to take hold in NSW and Western Australia, sparking concern among health authorities as Australia heads into the winter months. According to the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, Covid-19 and influenza activity remain low overall, but early signs point to a gradual increase in Covid-19 infections, with test positivity rising to 5.7 per cent in the week ending May 17. 'We are now reporting emerging sublineage NB. 1.8.1 which is increasing in NSW,' the report reads. Wastewater surveillance in Perth also shows NB. 1.8.1 is surging in the region. While the subvariant does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains, its rapid growth is raising flags both locally and internationally. The World Health Organisation recently noted that NB. 1.8.1 was increasing in prevalence globally, including in Hong Kong, where Covid hospitalisations have reached 12-month highs, and also in parts of the US. NSW Health is continuing to monitor the subvariant closely, particularly among ICU patients, to assess any changes in disease severity. For now, the variant appears more transmissible but not more dangerous. Vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease from NB. 1.8.1, and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date with boosters and flu shots. In both NSW and WA, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is circulating at high levels, especially among children. WA Health has warned of a potentially early start to the flu season, with more than 6500 flu cases already recorded this year and free flu and RSV immunisations available to eligible residents until June 30. Authorities are reminding Australians to maintain good hygiene, stay home when unwell and ensure vaccinations are current to help ease pressure on hospitals over winter.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Concern as new COVID variant begins to take hold in WA
A new COVID-19 subvariant, NB. 1.8.1, is beginning to take hold in NSW and Western Australia, sparking concern among health authorities as Australia heads into the winter months. According to the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, COVID-19 and influenza activity remain low overall, but early signs point to a gradual increase in Covid-19 infections, with test positivity rising to 5.7 per cent in the week ending May 17. 'We are now reporting emerging sublineage NB. 1.8.1 which is increasing in NSW,' the report reads. Wastewater surveillance in Perth also shows NB. 1.8.1 is surging in the region. While the subvariant does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains, its rapid growth is raising flags both locally and internationally. Estimated weekly distribution of Covid-19 sub-lineages in the community, November 1, 2023 to May 10, 2025. NSW Health Credit: News Corp Australia The World Health Organisation recently noted that NB. 1.8.1 was increasing in prevalence globally, including in Hong Kong, where COVID hospitalisations have reached 12-month highs, and also in parts of the US. NSW Health is continuing to monitor the subvariant closely, particularly among ICU patients, to assess any changes in disease severity. For now, the variant appears more transmissible but not more dangerous. The Covid-19 subvariant NB. 1.8.1 is being closely monitored by health authorities. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NCA NewsWire Vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease from NB. 1.8.1, and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date with boosters and flu shots. In both NSW and WA, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is circulating at high levels, especially among children. WA Health has warned of a potentially early start to the flu season, with more than 6500 flu cases already recorded this year and free flu and RSV immunisations available to eligible residents until June 30. Authorities are reminding Australians to maintain good hygiene, stay home when unwell and ensure vaccinations are current to help ease pressure on hospitals over winter.
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Omicron wasn't mild': Hunter's four-year COVID death total revealed
The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm." The Hunter's health network recorded 882 COVID deaths from 2019 to 2023, national data shows. The death rate, after adjusting for the effects of age, was eight per 100,000 people. The number of COVID deaths in the network, which includes New England and Central Coast, was similar to flu and pneumonia (829) and liver disease (863). Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician, said "Australia did very well early on protecting the community until we had a vaccine to do the hard lifting for us". "COVID deaths would have been much more extreme if we didn't have the vaccine," said Dr Durrheim, of Hunter New England Health. Dr Durrheim said it was a misconception that Omicron was a milder COVID strain. "If we hadn't had a vaccine, Omicron would have been as severe as the Delta strain," he said. "It clearly was more transmissible, but probably not less severe. "If Omicron emerged first, we would have had an even worse pandemic." He said many had "discounted just how important the vaccine protection was in buffering Omicron". In the Hunter alone, more than 400 COVID deaths occurred over the four years including 143 in Lake Macquarie, 109 in Newcastle and 50 in Maitland. An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report said there were "5001 deaths due to COVID registered in Australia in 2023". "Almost 3 per cent of COVID deaths were among those aged under 60, while 55 per cent were among those aged 85 and over," the report said. Dr Durrheim said COVID "exacted quite a heavy toll on older people". "We still see it in the top five causes of death in folks in their 80s," he said. "It's still really worthwhile for preventing deaths to get those boosters." He said a booster "could be the difference between life and death" for the vulnerable. "It's definitely worthwhile for people in the older age group and those with chronic disease to get a regular booster. "None of us like being sick." A Monash University and RMIT study released last year examined the average weekly COVID death rate in NSW people aged 50 and over in 2021-22. It found this death rate was 19.8 per 100,000 people for the unvaccinated and 4.7, 2.6 and 1.8 per 100,000 for those who had received a single, two or three or more doses, respectively. Dr Durrheim said research published in Sweden in March had "a close look at preventing long COVID - now called post-COVID conditions". "There's a strong link between protection and the number of doses one has had. "For those who don't want the post-COVID-19 conditions, getting that booster is probably a jolly sensible thing to do." The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report said "COVID-19 and influenza activity remain at low levels". "RSV activity is now at a high level of activity." Dr Durrheim said a winter COVID wave was likely. "We've been very fortunate not to have had anything since Christmas. We're overdue," he said. "And we know winter gives these viruses their best chance of taking off." He said the Omicron strain LP 8.1 was "the one increasing the most in Australia and NSW at the moment". "It's pretty well matched to the JN.1 strain," he said. "A good idea when getting a flu jab is getting a COVID JN.1 booster as well. "I'm booked in for the flu jab in one arm and JN.1 booster in the other arm."
