General News
22 September, 2023
Covid's still here, but hiding in plain sight
The worst of Covid is behind us - but we will never know how many mild cases are continuing to circulate in the community. As the severity of Covid cases across the Wimmera has declined, so have the reporting protocols. Records are no longer kept of...
The worst of Covid is behind us - but we will never know how many mild cases are continuing to circulate in the community.
As the severity of Covid cases across the Wimmera has declined, so have the reporting protocols.
Records are no longer kept of positive rapid antigen tests as a result of a Department of Health directive which took effect on June 30.
The only positive reports now required are from PCR tests, usually only administered by a medical practitioner.
But the need to take precautions has not declined - particularly with more people having been struck down by influenza.
There is still a lot of Covid around, explained Professor Rosemary Aldrich, director of Grampians Health public health unit.
"But, like the common cold, we don't need to know about those cases that are not serious," she told The Horsham Times.
"For themost part now, the terrible toll we had with Covid is behind us.
"We had a sizeable wave that peaked in June, and it has been diminishing since.
"We are now treating Covid just like another respiratory illness, transmitted primarily through droplets and aerosols.
"Also, we now have a percentage of the population vaccinated, and for people who are vulnerable we have very effective medication."
But don't throw away your face masks.
"Masks properly fitted and worn are very useful," Prof Aldrich said.
"Not only to protect yourself, but also to protect other people from you - particularly the elderly, people with chronic conditions, those who might be more vulnerable or those who haven't had a vaccination for a while.
"And if you have anysymptoms of respiratory illness such as a cold, cough, or sore throat, if you need to go out and can't distance yourself, please wear a mask to protect others."
Only a small proportion of PCR tests - less than five per cent - are now returning positive for Covid tests - but the number of mild and asymptomatic cases remains unknown.
"Covid is a relatively new virus and it will settle into a pattern, a little like influenza, which tends to peak in winter," Prof Aldrich said.
In fact, the "dreaded winter lurgy" spread itself around the Wimmera with a vengeance.
"It looks for the most part we have just as much influenza in the communityas we do Covid," Prof Aldrich said.
But while many of us may now brush off the virus with a cough and a sniffle, potential harm remains for those more vulnerable - or less fortunate.
If you are sick enough, go to the doctor and get a PCR test, Prof Aldrich said.
Because respiratory illness - like influenza - can kill.