A new, more infectious strain of Covid-19 has been found in Australia. The sub-variant is now dominant in China and Hong Kong and is being monitored by international authorities. Australians are being urged to protect themselves against both covid and influenza.
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00:00As the weather cools, viruses are on the march, including COVID.
00:07There's a new sub-variant now circulating in Australia.
00:10It's the NB181 strain.
00:12It's already muscled out other variants in parts of Asia.
00:16This new sub-variant does look to be more infectious.
00:19It binds to the receptor the virus uses to get in more readily
00:22and is really effective at evading protection, particularly from past infections.
00:26In early May, Australia's surveillance system had detected 84 cases of the new strain.
00:33It's been found in every state.
00:35It comes as COVID booster rates stall.
00:39I would strongly encourage those over the age of 65 to get their COVID boosters.
00:44I think many people have lost sight of the fact that COVID is still around,
00:47still putting people in hospital.
00:49Unfortunately, people are still not surviving that infection.
00:52While over 65s are most at risk, authorities are urging everyone to talk to their doctor about vaccination.
01:00I would really consider it. I really trust the doctors.
01:03I guess it's always a concern because there always seems to be different strains coming out,
01:06but I don't want to stop living our life just because of it.
01:09The World Health Organisation is monitoring the new sub-variant,
01:13but its overall risk level has been classed as low,
01:17because it doesn't appear to make people sicker than earlier strains.
01:22On the flu front,
01:24Confirmed cases are up on last year, but vaccination is down.
01:29Nationally, just 19% of those eligible for a flu jab have had one,
01:35fewer than in the last three years.
01:38Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months.
01:42Garvin Brown has heeded the call.
01:45I usually try and get one every year now. It just seems to help.
01:49Do it.