From 32,000 to 68,000 cases in five weeks: Flu season is spiking early. Doctors say children could be at risk

abc.net.au/news/influenza-flu-season-affecting-kids-children-hospital-cases-up/102387982Kathy Smith and her family were just days away from getting their annual flu vaccines when the virus hit and caused chaos.A paediatrician says kids under five are "very vulnerable" due to low immunityFirst her six-year-old daughter Ada came down with fatigue, then suddenly developed chills and a high fever which lasted days.

Healthcare workers are warning that young children could be at risk this year amid low vaccination rates and the flu season starting earlier than usual. "We're seeing a lot more kids coming through with influenza admitted into our children's hospitals and seeing GPs and emergency departments for care," Dr Bowen said.

"Young children are very vulnerable, with low immunity to the flu and other viruses like RSV, which is also increasing earlier this year," Professor Danchin said.And with cases of COVID, RSV and flu – known as the "big three" — rising at the same time, doctors were concerned about the effects getting multiple respiratory infections could have on children, Professor Danchin said.

Concerns about low childhood vaccinations this year even prompted the national chief medical officer Paul Kelly to write to GPs, encouraging them to try to turn things around. "The intention to take up the flu vaccine for children, particularly young children, is actually higher this year than it has been in previous polls. But at the same time, the actual actioning of that is down," said Anthea Rhodes, a paediatrician and the poll's director.A large proportion of parents also feel unsure about getting the flu vaccine or flat out don't want it, the poll found.

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