The Northern Territory has recorded its highest number of influenza cases in at least five years, putting significant pressure on an already stretched hospital system.
New data released by NT Health shows there have been 2,162 flu cases detected so far this year — more than double the number just a fortnight ago.
This year's figures are also substantially higher than the past two years, when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced annual flu cases to just 76 and 292 respectively.
The latest numbers are also higher than the two years prior to the pandemic, when 1,878 and 1,219 cases were detected across in 2018 and 2019.
Australian Medical Association NT president Robert Parker said the impact of the flu was more pronounced in the NT than other jurisdictions because of high rates of chronic diseases.
"The flu by itself is a very difficult experience for a lot of people, but when you have underlying health problems, particularly heart and lung, it can make those worse and potentially lead to hospitalisation," Dr Parker said.
NT Health said there had been almost 500 presentations to emergency departments this year due to flu.
About 140 people have been admitted to hospital over recent months, while 20 are currently being treated for flu.
Dr Parker said he would not be surprised if non-urgent medical services get suspended because of the current surge in flu-related hospitalisations.
NT Health said it has plans in place to respond to the flu surge, including reconfiguring resources if required.
AMA NT wants free flu jabs for all Territorians
In the NT, flu vaccines are free for people categorised as vulnerable — including the elderly, young children, Aboriginal Territorians and people with chronic diseases — as well as medical staff.
While that accounts for about half of the NT's population, Dr Parker said the government should follow the lead of several other states and provide free shots to everyone.
"It's almost cutting your nose to spite your face," he said.
"You save money on vaccines but then the cost of your medical care goes up exponentially because of all the sick people turning up for ED who need medical care."
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said there would be no change to the current policy.
"To ensure those at highest risk are prioritised, NT Health is not currently planning to expand access to free flu vaccinations," Ms Fyles said.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said there had been a significant increase in the number of people seeking flu jabs this year.
"Last year we had pharmacies all over the Territory with hundreds of flu vaccinations that they didn't use, but this year the demand has been high," its NT spokeswoman, Alexis Innis, said.
Ms Innis encouraged Territorians to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
"But we are having cancellations all the time for various reasons, so people can still walk into pharmacies and get flu vaccinations done on the spot."
NT Health said about 41,000 Territorians have received a flu jab so far this year.
