Get ready for this winter’s respiratory virus trifecta

Ben Falkenmire

writer

Ben Falkenmire

Writer

Ben Falkenmire

 

As we approach winter with no mandatory masks or isolation laws, and COVID-19, the flu and RSV all looming—what can we do to minimise widespread infection and protect high-risk patients?

Associate Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health and senior lecturer at the University of Queensland says the key is in the prep.

“This year is hard to predict. We know for certain that we will have all three viruses circulating again, and potentially all at once, so we need to be prepared,” Associate Professor Griffin says.

Enhanced flu vaccinations could help patients to avoid getting sick. Professor Griffin says two augmented vaccines are potentially 20-25% more effective among the elderly than the regular flu vaccine.

“Definitely use the augmented vaccines for the elderly, and it doesn’t matter which augmented vaccine they get,” he says.

“There is also a cell-based vaccine that isn’t grown in eggs, which some patients may like the sound of, but it’s not currently subsidised so there is a cost differential to consider.”

ATAGI recently recommended an additional COVID-19 vaccine booster for the elderly and those with comorbidities, with bivalent mRNA vaccines the preferred choice.

Pink background with syringe collecting fluid from test container vaccine image

Associate Professor Griffin advises GPs to have a low threshold for testing for all three viruses, particularly in high risk patients and those who could benefit from antiviral medications.

“Test with a multiplex panel for the flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses, like parainfluenza, so you can give patients timely access to antivirals and advice on how to manage their case and to control spreading it to others,” he says.

Growing misinformation among patients around COVID-19 and the flu is another factor GPs are expected to face in consults this winter.

Associate Professor Griffin says some patients may need reminding about the effectiveness of vaccines, to stay at home if unwell, and for high risk people, the benefits of wearing masks in public and having an antiviral plan in place.

“Given that we want high rates of uptake of both the COVID and flu vaccines, we need people to understand the viruses are a risk,” he says.

For more from Associate Professor Paul Griffin on what we’re up against this winter, and what can be done at the primary care level to mitigate the risks, sign up for Healthed’s FREE webcast this Tuesday, 21 February. Register here to attend.

Icon 2

NEXT LIVE Webcast

:
Days
:
Hours
:
Minutes
Seconds
Dr Sushil Pant

Dr Sushil Pant

Acutely Painful Shoulder – Assessment and Management in GP

Dr Richard Phoon

Dr Richard Phoon

Chronic Kidney Disease – Delay Progression and Prevent Dialysis

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Understand & Explain the Risks & Side Effects of MHT

Prof Peter Richmond

Prof Peter Richmond

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease – What GPs Need to Know

Join us for the next free webcast for GPs and healthcare professionals

High quality lectures delivered by leading independent experts

Share this

Share this

Ben Falkenmire

writer

Ben Falkenmire

Writer

Test your knowledge

Recent articles

Latest GP poll

In your perception, how has Donald Trump's election to the US and related political discourse in the media concerning vaccine safety impact on your patients' willingness to follow Australian government recommended vaccinations?

Very negative impact

0%

Somewhat negative impact

0%

No noticeable impact

0%

Somewhat positive impact

0%

Very positive impact

0%

Find your area of interest

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Upcoming Healthed Webcast

Tuesday 14th October, 7pm - 9pm AEDT

Speaker

Dr Sushil Pant

Orthopaedic Surgeon; Sydney Sports Medicine Centre

We invite you to our next free webcast, where Dr Sushil Pant will present on acutely painful shoulder. Up to 4 hours CPD. RACGP & ACRRM accredited.