Aussies feeling unwell have been urged to isolate and stay at home as a new wave of Covid-19 takes hold on one side of the country.
Cases of the Omicron subvariants have soared in Western Australia in recent weeks, with an average of 75 infected patients admitted to hospital every day.
Recent surveillance data, including wastewater analyzes and reported cases, have raised concerns that frontline health care workers could see hospitalizations rise even further.
Authorities have warned anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home and wear masks in crowded public spaces, as the peak of the wave will fall during the Christmas holidays as families gather for the holidays.
Even those experiencing mild symptoms are encouraged to self-isolate, as apparently small cases can lead to a long-term Covid-19 epidemic that can last for months.
Western Australians can also protect themselves by rolling up their sleeves for the new Pfizer JN.1 booster vaccine released earlier this month.
“COVID-19 has changed a lot in Australia and around the world over the past year,” WA Health director of communicable diseases Dr Paul Armstrong said.
“The new vaccine is expected to provide better protection against the Omicron subvariants now circulating in WA.”
In Western Australia, an average of 75 people are admitted to hospital with Covid every day
In Western Australia, an average of 75 people are admitted to hospital with Covid every day
Western Australians are being urged to get the latest booster vaccine to protect themselves
Some Aussies are at greater risk of severe illness from the virus due to weakened immune symptoms or repeated exposure.
“Covid can cause life-threatening complications, especially in older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,” Dr. Armstrong said.
‘With Christmas just around the corner, people may be out and about with family and friends, so there is a chance that infections will spread more easily than at other times of the year.
‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid is to stay home if you feel unwell, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands often, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas or in high-risk environments, and a booster vaccination.’
The warning comes after yet another new Covid variant spreading around the world recently reached the shores of Australia.
The ‘potentially more contagious’ XEC strain was first discovered in Germany in June and is a descendant of the Omicron Covid strain and a recombinant variant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
Authorities have warned anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home and wear masks in crowded public spaces. The photo shows crowds of people at the Fremantle Markets
The new Pfizer JN.1 vaccine is recommended for people over 75 who have already completed the basic Covid vaccination course.
Adults aged 65 to 74 years or who are severely immunocompromised are recommended to receive a booster vaccine every 12 months.
Adults aged 18 to 64 years without severe immunocompromise and children aged 5 to 17 years with severe immunocompromise are eligible for a dose every 12 months.
The new vaccine is available from general practitioners, selected pharmacies and other medical providers.