Covid-19 cases spiking ahead of the holiday season

Experts are warning the community to stay vigilant about Covid-19 this upcoming holiday season, with a new survey revealing 91 per cent of Australians plan to travel, attend events and visit loved ones, while only 42 per cent would test for Covid-19 if symptomatic.

The Covid Community Sentiment Index, commissioned by Pfizer Australia, analysed the responses of 1000 Aussies, finding that less than half had concerns about the impact of Covid-19.

Almost five years after the first cases were recorded in the country, Lung Foundation Australia chief Mark Brooke has warned the public, and especially those at higher risk of serious illness, that Covid-19 still has the potential to disrupt holiday plans.

“With so many Australians looking forward to a well-deserved break this summer, having a simple Covid-19 plan may help those at higher risk of serious illness feel more prepared and confident, reducing the chance of unexpected disruptions”, Mr Brooke said.

“Talking to your GP about your Covid-19 action plan before the holiday season ensures you know what steps to take if symptoms appear and you help protect yourself and those around you, no matter where you are. Checking your travel insurance and familiarising yourself with local health services at your destination are also small but important ways to stay safe while enjoying your holiday.”

“Simple steps like regular hand washing and staying mindful of others when unwell can also help safeguard public health, especially during the busy holiday season.”

Victorian chief health officer Dr Clare Looker has also urged at-risk residents, including those over 50 years of age, immunocompromised people, or those with a health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or chronic respiratory conditions, and First Nations communities, to take precautions now, after the state has recorded a jump in cases.

“It’s the simple things that can have a big impact,” Dr Looker said.

“If you’re feeling sick, please stay home.

“If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher risk setting like an age care home or a hospital, it’s a good idea to wear a mask.”

In its latest Covid-19 surveillance report ending November 26, the state’s health department recorded a spike in the number of people hospitalised with Covid-19, with the seven day average now at 197, a 59 per cent increase from the same period in October.

The department also says the number of notified cases has increased 44 per cent in the last month.

Dr Looker also encouraged residents to keep up to date with their recommended Covid-19 vaccinations.

“Immunity wanes over time so staying up to date with your vaccinations will be your best protection against severe illness,” she said.

Dr Looker said JN. 1 remained the dominant Covid-19 variant in the community.

“There is no indication of increasing severity of the currently circulating subvariants,” she added.

Covid-19 symptoms range from the mild to the severe and can appear from one to 14 days after exposure to the virus, the department states on its website.

Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and fever, chills and sweats.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste and loss of appetite, the department said.

Those over 70 are eligible for antiviral treatment, which must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner. A fact sheet on eligibility is available here.

Dr Krishan Thiru, medical director at Pfizer Australia and New Zealand, added that timely treatment is crucial to preventing serious illness.

“Oral antiviral treatment, if prescribed, needs to be commenced as soon as possible after testing positive for Covid-19 and within five days of symptoms starting. Now is the time to check your eligibility and make a plan with your GP. If you do test positive, do not wait for worsening symptoms – contact your GP right away.”