It's never too late in the season to get a flu vaccine, with public health urging Tasmanians to remain vigilant.
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So far this year flu cases in Tasmania stand at 1171 compared to 452 for the whole of 2018.
Australia wide, reported cases of influenza have almost doubled the total for last year.
With Tasmania experiencing a peak in flu notifications in April, communicable diseases clinical director Dr Faline Howes said numbers had stabilised over the past seven weeks.
"Some states like South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and central Australia seem to have steady flu numbers at the moment. Whereas the other states seem to have increased in numbers," she said.
"Unfortunately it is quite unpredictable what happens each season.
"But because we would expect to see a typical flu season between July and October, I think it is best that we prepare that we might see another increase in our flu numbers."
Dr Howes said the flu season was different every year because of flu strains and the different subtypes circulating.
Other changes include the population groups most affected, population susceptibility and changes that may occur to the virus during the year.
With between 50 and 100 deaths attributed to flu occurring in Tasmania every year, Dr Howes said preparation was key.
"Unfortunately every flu season including when it starts, when it ends, the severity, is all completely unpredictable," she said.
"What we see is every year the flu season does tend to vary.
"The best thing we can do is make sure we are prepared for the inevitable season and do everything we can to prepare ourselves."
In 2017, Tasmania experience 135 flu-related deaths in one of the worst seasons on record. However, Dr Howes said she was not aware of any deaths in Tasmania so far this year, with laboratory confirmed flu.
"Every year we expect deaths from flu. It's a known fact," she said.
"Having said that, we don't receive all of the death data that gives us an exact number, but it gives us an indication."
With more than four months left in the flu season Dr Howes said it was vital people remained vigilant.
"I would love to say that we've seen the worst of it, but I think it's fair to say we will see flu numbers go up again," she said.
"Tasmania has certainly heard the call this year to get their flu vaccine.
"But anyone who is in a high risk group for severe flu and is eligible for a free government vaccine, than I would certainly encourage them to get vaccinated."
Vaccinations
Flu vaccinations are required each year, as flu immunity is short lived and the mix of influenza viruses changes each year.
About 100,000 vaccination doses are provided free to vulnerable Tasmanians under the National Immunisation Program.
Free vaccine is available through General Practitioners for the following people:
- All children aged from six months to under five years (state funded)
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women at any stage in their pregnancy
- Adults and children aged from 6 months with chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, liver or kidney diseases, asthma, diabetes, cancer, impaired immunity and neuromuscular conditions
Under the state government's Winder Demand Management Plan, authorised Tasmanian pharmacist immunisers can provide private prescription flu vaccine to healthy people aged 10 years and over in approved pharmacies.
For more information visit FluTas.