Michael Baker, the epidemiologist Kiwis love to hate, is at it again.
“…but basically people of all ages are also getting long-term effects, long COVID, and the good news is that the vaccine protects you against both of those outcomes. So that is still the main thing … get your COVID vaccine, your boosters, and also of course get your influenza vaccine at the moment”.
From the 3rd to the 9th of June, over 5000 cases of COVID were confirmed by the Ministry of Health, straining an already stretched healthcare system. Joining us now is epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker. Thank you very much for your time this morning. I know you're busy at the Global Health Security Conference in Sydney, but let's talk about this current wave, which I think is the 6th wave. Wellington Hospital has had a special COVID ward this, well, the bigger beginning of winter. It only closed a week ago. That's how serious it is. Yeah, Marina Louise. Yeah. Look, this 6th wave is concerning. In fact, the last three ways of being getting bigger, more cases. And I know we're quite complacent about this virus now, but we shouldn't be. And there are lots of things people can do to protect themselves and those around them. And I think people are very familiar with with those things. So they just don't ignore this in fiction. I mean, a lot of people are treating this just like it's a cold or a flu. Is is that wrong? It is because we're still seeing about 50 people a day admitted to hospital, people unfortunately dying every day from Saint fiction, particularly older people and those underlying illness. But basically people of all ages are also getting long term effects, long COVID. And the good, the good news is that the vaccine protects you against both of those outcomes. So that's still the main thing. Get your COVID vaccine and your boosters and also, of course, get your influenza vaccine at the moment. What are the vaccination rates? Back at the moment, well, they've been falling because again, people were ignoring this infection, but and, and this is the good news as government is still providing vaccine for free and antivirals and so on. So really take advantage of that. In terms of deaths. I mean, I've forgotten, you know, how many we were at during the lockdowns and stuff like that, but 34 COVID related deaths in the week to Sunday, that's still quite a lot. Yeah, I mean, people forget this is our number one infectious disease killer in New Zealand. I mean, last year it killed 1000 New Zealanders. Hopefully this year it will be a bit less, but we can't guarantee that. So it's just important that we don't ignore it. Have there been an uptick in other respiratory illnesses as well, not just COVID? Well, yeah, absolutely. I mean, we're right in the middle of the influenza season now. So we're seeing peak rates of influenza, RSV and so on, these viruses that occur in winter. But COVID-19 doesn't need winter yet. It's basically causes waves at any time. But unfortunately, it's now coinciding to the peak of winter respiratory infections. So that's putting real pressure on our health system. How, how are other hospitals doing? I mentioned Wellington Hospital and their COVID ward, but what about other hospitals? Are they stretched? I I think everywhere because remember if you go to hospital with an infectious disease, you have to be managed much more carefully, a lot more infection control. So these cases put a huge drain on our resources. That means surgery gets cancelled and all sorts of consequences.
I sent him an email about what I thought of his mask policy in that now apparently they have the science to back up that masks work. I never heard back. I said in my email if he keeps on, then he'll be responsible for starting the next war. And stop saying the vaccines are free, because that money came from the public. I notice there was no mention of Pfizer having to face the courts finally. They are being sued by Kansas city for misrepresentation of the vaccine.
September and October are the best months to consider getting the vaccine that protects against the influenza virus. Of course, everyone should talk to their doctors if they have questions or concerns about what vaccines are best for them to get.
There is a wealth of information here from the National Council on Aging on what older adults need to know during flu season.
https://lnkd.in/g7U-UtMW#FluSeason#FluVaccines#ImmunizationAwarenessMonth
Influenza or Flu Vaccine: Benefits & Side Effects | MAX@Home
Dr. Anish Gupta sheds light on the significance of the influenza vaccine. Discover who should receive the vaccine, why it's essential, and the potential side effects. Gain insight into how vaccination plays a vital role in curbing the spread of influenza viruses. Join the movement against the flu by watching and sharing this informative video today.
#InfluenzaVaccineAwareness#FightFluWithVaccine#ProtectAgainstInfluenza
A flu shot might give you a headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and make you tired, but that's a sign that your immune response is building and the vaccine is working. Flu shots are made with an inactive virus, and nasal flu vaccines are made of a weakened virus; neither can give you the flu. If you have questions about flu shots, please speak with a healthcare provider 🩺.
Myth: The flu vaccine can't give you the flu. But you might develop flu-like symptoms for many reasons, such as:
1. Reaction to the vaccine: Some people have muscle aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving a flu vaccine. This may be a side effect of your body's production of protective antibodies.
2. The two-week window: It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you're exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
5. Other illnesses: Many other illnesses, such as the common cold, also have flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don't.
Did you fall for this myth? We are debunking medical myths every monday. #medicalmythmonday
As COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses persist, staying informed and taking proactive measures are crucial so you don't have to take time off work. Here's how you can navigate the current landscape: https://bit.ly/48XmgBu. Public health researchers recommend following the CDC guidance on getting the latest COVID and influenza vaccines.
On World Hepatitis Day, let’s raise awareness about Hepatitis B and C, often termed as silent epidemics. These infections can persist for years without symptoms, often leading to severe liver damage before detection. Over 325 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis, yet many remain undiagnosed. Early testing and vaccination are crucial in combating this global health threat. Spread the word, get tested, and protect your liver health.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle for a Hepatitis free life!
#WorldHepatitisDay#HepatitisAwareness#APromiseofGoodHealth#SilentEpidemic#LiverHealth#GetTested#HealthAwareness#Vaccination#HepatitisPrevention#ZeonLifesciences
🌍On #EarthDay as healthcare professionals, you should remember how important you are in giving vaccines to help reduce risk and save lives to millions of people around the world.
The #WHO (World Health Organisation) states that vaccines are critical in preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks.
Immunisations currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles 💉
#Didyouknow that we now have vaccines, which help prevent more than 20 life threatening diseases around the world? And you as healthcare professionals play a massive part in helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Isn't that great? 😊
You can delve deep into our latest vaccine courses to help advance your skills and make a massive impact to our global health 👇
https://lnkd.in/ec4MherKhttps://lnkd.in/dYkMwHt9https://lnkd.in/eQQJKUXphttps://lnkd.in/eSkaQmHshttps://lnkd.in/e-TR3nEshttps://lnkd.in/eXhgTGCN
We look forward to helping you on your immunisation journey 😊
Reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter, and help to protect those around you by getting the annual flu vaccine.
Influenza (flu) can be debilitating and result in a week or more in bed with a fever, aches, pain and generally feeling unwell, even if you're fit and healthy. Annual flu vaccination provides you with the best protection against flu each winter.
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that is responsible for major outbreaks of illness around the world, peaking in the winter months. Unlike the common cold, influenza can cause life-threatening illnesses and dangerous complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. At Capital Chemist we provide a convenient, quick and easy vaccination service in the pharmacy in a private consulting room. Book your in-store flu vaccination today! Product, age and funding considerations apply.
https://lnkd.in/eB4Y49zf#FluSeason#Winteriscoming#FluVaccines
Reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter, and help to protect those around you by getting the annual flu vaccine.
Influenza (flu) can be debilitating and result in a week or more in bed with a fever, aches, pain and generally feeling unwell, even if you're fit and healthy. Annual flu vaccination provides you with the best protection against flu each winter.
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that is responsible for major outbreaks of illness around the world, peaking in the winter months. Unlike the common cold, influenza can cause life-threatening illnesses and dangerous complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. At Capital Chemist we provide a convenient, quick and easy vaccination service in the pharmacy in a private consulting room. Book your in-store flu vaccination today! Product, age and funding considerations apply.
https://lnkd.in/eB4Y49zf#FluSeason#Winteriscoming#FluVaccines
How are you protecting yourself and your family from the flu?
The easiest way is simple: by getting your influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot. 💉
“Contrary to common belief, flu vaccines don’t just provide protection against the annual flu strain. They also contribute to broader community immunity, reducing the overall prevalence of the virus,” said Justine Lacy, our clinical executive, in a recent article we published.
Take care, and learn about the Profmed approach to the flu virus: https://bit.ly/3UOrSK9#Profmed2024#MedicalAid#HealthCare#flu#FluShot#FluSeason
Consumer Financial Protection NZ
4moI sent him an email about what I thought of his mask policy in that now apparently they have the science to back up that masks work. I never heard back. I said in my email if he keeps on, then he'll be responsible for starting the next war. And stop saying the vaccines are free, because that money came from the public. I notice there was no mention of Pfizer having to face the courts finally. They are being sued by Kansas city for misrepresentation of the vaccine.