By ABC News
Reported flu cases across South Australia have spiked 70 per cent this year, according to government data, prompting fears about the health system’s capacity to cope with more hospital presentations.
The latest ramping figures published on the SA Health website show ambulances were forced to wait outside public hospitals for a combined total of 5,382 hours in June.
That is the second-highest figure on record, and the highest since last July.
The ramping figures coincide with the release of state government flu data which shows there have been 10,569 reported flu cases so far in 2025, up from 6,212 at the same time last year.
It comes after a total of 1,627 new flu cases were reported in the past week, which is almost the highest number of cases reported in any week for the past five years, according to the government.
The number of people hospitalised due to the flu has also increased to 1,042 this year, compared to 673 at this point last year.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the flu case spike was causing two problems: an increase in hospital presentations and more health workers taking sick leave.
“We have seen a spike in hospitalisations and significantly more hospitalisations because of the flu than the same time last year,” Mr Picton said.
“And also, we’ve seen more absences in terms of many of those workplaces because the workers themselves have the flu.”
Mr Picton said workplace flu absences were affecting GPs, doctors, and aged care workers.
He said there had “never been a more important time to make sure that you’re vaccinated for flu”.
“That’s why we’re focusing our efforts particularly in terms of young kids, but also older people and people who have chronic health conditions.”
South Australia’s take-up of the flu vaccine is the highest of any mainland states at 32.1 per cent of the population, according to the state government.
That is higher than Victoria at 29.9 per cent, New South Wales at 26.8 per cent and Western Australia and Queensland at 25.8 per cent, the government said.
Fears for winter hospital capacity
The flu spike comes as the state’s hospital system continues to struggle with demand.
Ambulance ramping hours soared in May, with patients spending 4,791 hours waiting outside public hospitals for treatment.
But that data was taken before the onset of winter and the spike in flu cases, with the June figures revealing another increase.
Last year’s winter saw ambulance ramping reach record levels, with the paramedic’s union fearing 2025 will be even worse.
Paul Ekkelboom, general secretary of the Ambulance Employees Association (AEA), said the flu figures were “alarming”.
“History tells us it’s only going to get worse from here,” he said, adding it was “only a month into winter”.
“It’s placing a huge strain on our health system, every winter there is an increase in the demand and this includes flu cases.”
Mr Ekkelboom said “from all accounts” ramping hours were going up, adding that ambulance crews were dealing with fatigue and burnout.
“We are concerned it’s only a matter of time before this situation, where demand can’t be met, results in negative patient outcomes,” he said.