As Queensland enters October, the latest health data shows a mixed picture of respiratory illness across the state, with influenza cases easing but RSV and COVID-19 continuing to place pressure on hospitals.
Influenza cases dropped by 27 per cent in late September, with 2,706 new cases recorded during the week of 15–21 September. Despite this decline, overall flu activity remains elevated, particularly in Central Queensland, where more cases are being reported among school-aged children.
To date, 77,956 influenza cases have been confirmed in 2025, with 7,514 people admitted to hospital and 194 flu-related deaths recorded between January and September. On average, 169 hospital beds were occupied daily by flu patients in the most recent reporting week, down from 208 the week before.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a concern, especially for infants and young children. While case notifications fell from 905 to 718 in the most recent week, hospitalisations increased. An average of 54 hospital beds were occupied by RSV patients daily, compared to 44 the week prior. Of the 28,302 RSV cases recorded this year, more than 7,000 were in children under two years old, and over a third of RSV-related hospital admissions were among this age group.
COVID-19 case numbers are trending downward, with 487 cases reported in the most recent week. However, older Queenslanders remain the most at risk. Of the 33,593 cases recorded this year, nearly a quarter have been in people aged 75 years and over. In total, 6,253 people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 this year, with most not up to date with vaccinations.
Health officials continue to encourage Queenslanders to remain vigilant as respiratory illnesses persist through spring.
For ongoing updates, visit Queensland Health’s Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance website.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
