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Winter could bring with it a triple whammy of nasty viruses and respiratory infections, doctors are warning.
Covid-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all high on GPs’ radars, with conditions ripe for all three to hit communities hard in the coming months.
Coast to Coast Healthcare’s Dr Neil Anderson says with Covid-19 still rife locally, plus a drop in natural immunity to the flu and other respiratory viruses since the pandemic started, doctors are preparing for an influx of cases.
“There’s been a lack of circulating influenza over the past two years, which means natural immunity is very low, so we’re expecting a lot of flu hospitalisations this year,” he says. “We’re also expecting a lot of the RSV. We’re going to have a triple whammy, with Covid, flu and RSV – I think there will be lots of viruses and chest infections.”
Dr Sophie Lines from Warkworth’s Kowhai Surgery agrees, saying the reopening of borders is predicted to lead to a resurgence in flu cases, but she says that following the common sense health guidelines that have been in place since the start of the pandemic will help.
“Following basic hygiene practices can reduce the spread of influenza – washing and drying hands or using hand sanitiser, covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue or inside of your elbow, and staying at home when you are sick,” she says.
Meanwhile, although cases of Omicron appear to have peaked locally, the virus continues to circulate widely through the community and is expected to continue to do so. Dr Anderson, whose practice has surgeries in Warkworth, Wellsford, Snells Beach, Matakana, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Paparoa, says it is still putting pressure on health providers and it can be a serious illness for some.
“We can get up to 100 cases a day and had 150 on one day. As a community that’s a lot of pressure on healthcare resources,” he says. “There’s a lot of Covid fatigue out there in the community. For the vast majority, it’s a mild illness, and we acknowledge that, but we have had hospitalisations and a handful of deaths.”
Both doctors urge people to make sure their Covid vaccinations are up to date and to get a flu jab (see below), as well as eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.
And people are also asked to be patient when dealing with healthcare staff. Dr Anderson says “patients are being less patient” these days.
“Our staff are bearing the brunt of a lot of that, which is unfortunate. We recognise that a lot of people are feeling the heat of it, but it’s difficult to look after people and keep everybody safe,” he says. “We’d say you don’t have to be kind, but just be considerate. Everyone is doing the best they can under the circumstances.”
Flu vaccinations are available now from GPs and many pharmacies. The government has made 40% more flu shots available this year and free eligibility has been widened to include Māori and Pacific people aged 55 and over. Health Minister Andrew Little said with Covid still working its way through the country, “we need to protect our most vulnerable from getting the flu as well, and our health system from coming under more pressure”. “In an ordinary year, flu kills more than 500 New Zealanders. And this is no ordinary year,” he said. Others who can get a free shot anyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions. Vaccines are widely available – contact your GP or pharmacist to book.
