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AU Reports Lowest 7-Day Covid Death Rates In 2 Years Australia recorded its lowest COVID death rate in more than two years - data that medical professionals attribute to immunities granted by vaccines and towards Omicron sub variants. As per recent data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), Australia recorded a seven-day rolling average of zero Covid-related deaths between February 29 and March 2 as well as March 5 and 6. One death was recorded on March 3. This resulted in a statistical rolling average of zero deaths - a first for the nation based on NNDSS federal health department statistics going as far back as January 2022. While this data shows that both Covid-related hospitalisations and deaths remain low in Australia, it also demonstrates the efficiency of the nation’s countermeasures against the disease. On top of vaccine-based immunities, medical experts also state that free early access to antiviral medication such as Paxlovid helped reduce severe symptoms from the virus. While professionals also acknowledged the possibility of COVID-19 undergoing mutations, existing antivirals remain effective in protecting citizens.

Rural Med Schools, Placements Seek To Address Doctor Shortages In AU Rural medical schools and doctor assignments to the country are becoming more prevalent across Australia, a move that the country’s health sector is hoping could help address doctor shortages in remote locations. These trends are part of what appears to be a cultural shift where both doctors and institutions are pursuing more medical professionals to work in rural areas to accommodate healthcare needs in those regions. Medical schools such as the University of New South Wales now offer medical education opportunities for students through rural medical schools. Training in general practice, psychiatry, and emergency medicine are the only ones currently available in these institutions, with medical experts hoping more specialty training is covered in the future. Other medical schools are also encouraging young medical practitioners to consider placements in rural areas. A University of Queensland research in 2023 showed that medical students undergoing 12-week placements in rural areas are around seven times more likely to end up working in remote locations. New South Wales today has three locations that offer full medical degrees for aspiring doctors. This is a win for the medical field, as NSW has not been able to offer opportunities for studying medicine rurally until 2017. The move is also a push towards addressing concerns stated in a 2022 inquiry into NSW regional health, wherein witnesses in rural areas expressed concerns about having to wait “weeks and months” to see GPs and specialists.

Aussies Encouraged To Make Covid-19 Plans With GP If They Are Vulnerable To Symptoms Most Australians at a higher risk of Covid-19 don’t have plans with their GP if they are affected by symptoms, according to a new study. As per Pfizer, 74% of Australians who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 have yet to create a medical plan on how they can recover should they experience symptoms. Experts from non-profit Street Side Medics urge Australians to speak with their GPs and other appropriate medical professionals to ensure they are cared for, especially if they are medically vulnerable. Australians may become at a higher risk of COVID-19 symptoms if they are: over 50 years old, have existing health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes, and if they are immunocompromised. While Australians are eligible for antiviral medicines to help alleviate COVID-19 effects, they must take them as soon as they test positive for COVID-19 and within five days of the first signs of symptoms. This helps ensure they are eligible for such medication and secure their availability should the need arise.