Queensland is experiencing a significant surge in flu cases, prompting urgent health advisories for vaccinations. In the past week alone, the state reported over 3,050 flu cases, the highest weekly total recorded. Alarmingly, more than 210 individuals have been hospitalised due to influenza, with over 90 per cent of these patients unvaccinated.
Dr Heidi Carroll highlighted that, on average, 129 hospital beds were occupied daily last week by patients suffering from the flu, an increase from 112 the previous week. The trend suggests that hospitalisations for the flu may soon surpass those for COVID-19, which saw an average of 165 beds occupied statewide during the same period. Dr Carroll emphasised the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness, particularly noting that influenza can be particularly deadly for young children and the elderly.
Vaccination is urged as the leading defence against winter viruses, helping to break transmission chains and avert severe health outcomes. Experts anticipate that flu cases might escalate further as school children return to class next week, given their tendency to both contract and spread the virus. Dr Carroll noted that while there have been over 32,600 confirmed flu cases in Queensland this year, the actual figure is likely much higher, reflecting widespread viral transmission throughout the community.
Overall, the situation is critical, and health officials are advising all residents to get vaccinated as the flu season progresses.