Flu and COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb across Queensland, with health authorities urging residents to practise good hygiene and get vaccinated to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
In the last week of June alone, over 2,800 flu cases were recorded — the highest weekly number this year. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said hospital admissions remain high, with nearly 300 beds occupied daily by flu and COVID-19 patients.
“Around half of all flu hospitalisations and 65 per cent of COVID hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over,” Dr Carroll said.
She noted that more than 90 per cent of hospitalised patients are not up to date with their vaccinations.
“Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. I encourage people to discuss their COVID vaccine and booster options with their vaccine provider,” she said.
“For influenza, nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalised this year with almost all of these hospitalisations (92 per cent) being among people who were not vaccinated.”
Children are also vulnerable, with nearly 450 hospitalised for flu so far in 2025.
“Children are more likely to catch and spread influenza contributing to transmission in the community, but also young children are vulnerable to serious illness from the flu,” Dr Carroll said.
Queenslanders are encouraged to wash hands, cover coughs, stay home when sick, and stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
For more details, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.
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