Coronavirus concerns for fifth wave in Australia with 28 per cent monthly increase in case numbers

Experts have warned of a fifth wave of Covid across Australia, with a rise in cases and hospitalizations driving many Australian workers to take sick leave.

The number of cases is up 28 percent in the past month, leaving workplaces grappling with a “significant” rise in employee sick calls.

A recent Australian HR Institute poll found that 82 percent of members reported an increase in the number of employees taking sick leave.

Since the beginning of 2023, more than 557,000 cases of Covid have been reported nationwide and more than 2,600 deaths.

Aussies are currently facing a double bout with both the flu and Covid-19 on the rise, resulting in calls from doctors to stay up to date on booster shots and vaccinations.

The number of people getting vaccinated against Covid has fallen by 10,000 a week over the past three weeks.

A new Australian study has found that the effectiveness of the Covid vaccine declines six months after the last vaccination, with 16.6 million Australians having not had a booster for more than six months.

Professor Bette Liu, a researcher from the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), said it was important for everyone, especially those in higher-risk age groups, to stay up to date on their vaccinations.

Three million people over the age of 65 have not had this year’s booster, even if protection against the vaccine for that age group has fallen to 56 percent six months after the jab, research from the NCIRS found.

“They are very vulnerable, the vulnerability increases with age,” Prof. Liu told the Daily telegram.

“This isn’t just having severe Covid, this is actually dying from Covid.”

Those in high-risk groups are encouraged to roll up their sleeves for a booster shot, especially if it has been more than six months since their last vaccination.

There are concerns that the surge in cases is the start of a fifth covid wave, with Australian workplaces hardest hit by a ‘significant’ rise in employee sick leave (stock image)

“It is very important that people understand that a booster for the Covid-19 vaccine will not protect you against the flu. And a flu vaccine won’t protect you against Covid-19,” said Paul Kelly, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

“They are different viruses – and you need both vaccines to protect against both viruses.”

“But the good news is you can get the vaccines at the same time,” he added.

Clinical studies have shown that there is no increase in side effects when you get both injections together.

The XBB variants of Covid are now dominant and responsible for 80 percent of infections, said Deakin University epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett.

The XBB 1.6 variant, which is called ‘Arcturus’, has typical cold and flu symptoms, as well as conjunctivitis or pink eye.

While NSW government genome sequencing has shown this variant to be on the rise, it is no more serious than other strains of the coronavirus.