A GENERAL practitioner has confirmed a rise in flu cases this year following a serious outbreak of Influenza A at a Mount Gambier nursing home.
Speaking with The Border Watch, Hawkins Medical Clinic GP Dr Mike Bruorton said there had been a high number of people affected by the virus this year.
“The increase has been seen not just in the South East, but many areas across the state – some places have experienced up to two and a half times more cases than usual,” he said.
The common strain of flu, Influenza A, is highly contagious and can have serious health effects on those already experiencing an underlying medical condition.
Unlike a common cold, symptoms for Influenza A include ongoing headaches, a high fever and body aches and pains.
While many people have received the flu shot this year in hopes of avoiding the virus, Dr Bruorton said it was known for its rapid mutation.
“Each year a new vaccination is produced based on the previous year’s strain, however it is possible the virus has since then mutated,” he said.
“Unfortunately this mutation can happen very quickly and we will only know full details of this towards the end of the year.”
As fear rises throughout the community following the outbreak at Boandik Lodge, Mr Bruorton said there had been an influx of concerned residents visiting the local medical clinic to seek advice on how to better protect themselves.
“Some people who have already had their flu shot this year have inquired about getting another vaccination,” he said.
“However, we have spoken to the South Australian Immunisation Coordination Unit and been advised there is no evidence proving a second vaccination will make any difference.”
Dr Bruorton said while people who have had the flu shot this year could still contract the virus, but symptoms would be less severe.
“There is definitely still some protective benefits of having the flu shot and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had it this year to do so,” he said.
“People with an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, asthma and emphysema are at a greater risk of contracting the virus and it can come on quite rapidly overnight.
“However, anyone who is experiencing these symptoms and not responding to regular pain killers should visit their doctor.”
