Flu numbers were down during the COVID-19 pandemic — but cases are soaring in 2023.
Health experts are warning that flu cases are on the rise and reaching pre-pandemic levels after a long period of COVID-19 precautions.
According to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, more than 13,000[1] confirmed influenza cases have been recorded in Australia since January 1, 2023.
Many of these cases emerged in NSW (4537), with Queensland (3490) and Victoria (2409) not far behind. In contrast, during January, February and March 2022, only 619 cases were recorded in Australia.
“Influenza cases were very low in 2020 and 2021 as people wore masks, used sanitiser, and practised social distancing. However, the northern hemisphere is providing a glimpse of what we might see in Australia soon, with the pandemic creating unpredictable disease patterns and unprecedented influenza cases,” says AusDiagnostics Director of Product and Business Development, Dr Dmitry Kuevda.
“Respiratory testing has never been more critical to public health. Laboratories will need to quickly ascertain whether a patient has COVID-19, influenza, or another respiratory illness.”
AusDiagnostics TandemPlex® panels are designed to improve screening of multiple respiratory infection-causing pathogens. In just three hours, syndromically relevant combinations of pathogens can be detected in up to 96 samples simultaneously. Our reliable method of screening plays a pivotal role in swiftly informing optimal treatment and improving patient outcomes.
AusDiagnostics are increasing production of respiratory panels to assist laboratories to prepare for flu season.
About AusDiagnostics:
AusDiagnostics Pty Ltd is a leading international company that designs, manufactures and markets a comprehensive suite of multiplexing molecular diagnostic assays and reagents. Founded in August 2006, AusDiagnostics also supports robotic instruments for in vitro diagnostics in the medical, veterinary, food, water, and environment industries. AusDiagnostics currently has 115 employees worldwide, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK. Its production facilities in Australia and UK supply a steadily growing network of more than 25 distributors and partners worldwide.
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+61 (02) 9698 8030
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