In this interview, Professor Katherine Bennett discusses the rise in flu cases, the public’s reluctance to get vaccinated, and broader issues in the health care system, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general practitioners and the potential risks of other infectious diseases. She also touches on the importance of epidemiology in managing and preventing disease outbreaks.

Key Topics Discussed

• Rise in Flu Cases and Vaccination Hesitancy: Discussion on why fewer people are getting flu shots despite an increase in cases.
• The Role of Epidemiology: Explanation of what epidemiology entails and its significance in disease prevention and control.
• Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare: The strain on the healthcare system, including a shortage of general practitioners and the ongoing reviews of Australia's pandemic response.
• Legionnaires' Disease in Melbourne: The recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease and the challenges of managing such infections.
• Global Disease Threats: Concerns about the spread of monkeypox in Africa and the implications of such outbreaks on global health.