Australia is currently dealing with a surge in pediatric hospital visits due to severe flu symptoms in children, and experts are warning that Canada should take note. According to Australian health data, children make up nearly 75% of hospital admissions since the flu season began in late April. Dr. John Yaremko, a Montreal-based pediatrician, states that this should serve as a red flag for Canada to be vigilant and prioritize protection against the flu.
Although Australia’s flu season is not as severe as last year in terms of the number of cases, Yaremko is concerned about the age group most affected. Typically, the flu impacts the most vulnerable individuals, such as infants, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. However, this year, a high number of children between the ages of five and ten are being hospitalized with severe flu symptoms.
Yaremko finds this unusual because children in this age range are usually healthy and do not have underlying health conditions. He emphasizes that young children, particularly those under the age of five, are most likely to be hospitalized with the flu. This trend is concerning for Canada, as the reasons behind the increased hospitalization rates among children in this age group are still not fully understood.
One possible explanation is the low vaccination rates in Australia. Data from the country’s national immunization system shows that fewer children have been vaccinated compared to previous years. Barry Power, editor-in-chief of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, suggests that this drop in vaccination rates may be the primary factor leading to increased hospitalizations rather than a particularly virulent or transmissible strain of the flu.
Power acknowledges that there may be “vaccine fatigue” as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but he emphasizes the importance of getting the yearly flu shot. While the flu vaccine may not always prevent someone from getting the flu, it can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
Another factor contributing to the disproportionate impact of the flu on children is the specific strain currently circulating. Influenza A and B are the predominant strains in Australia’s flu season, with influenza B causing more severe illness in children.
Canada closely monitors Australia’s flu season as a preparation for its own flu season, which typically starts between late October and early January. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently monitoring Australia’s flu season for situational awareness. PHAC spokesperson states that while influenza activity in Australia has now stabilized, the high rates of pediatric hospitalizations likely reflect a lack of natural immunity among children.
In light of Australia’s experience, Yaremko advises parents to get their children vaccinated against the flu once the shot is available in Canada. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in protecting the high-risk population and encourages everyone to get vaccinated as it is a safe and easy preventive measure.
During the last flu season, Canada faced a shortage of pediatric pain medications due to a combination of respiratory viruses and manufacturing delays. However, Health Canada has taken measures to increase the supply and prevent such shortages in the future. Pharmacies across Canada have not reported any shortages, and the supply of medications has significantly increased. Power encourages individuals to prioritize vaccination and practice respiratory hygiene measures to reduce the risk of flu transmission.
Overall, Canada should pay attention to Australia’s experience and take steps to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, during the upcoming flu season.
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