QUEENSLAND is in the grip of a significant winter illness wave, with flu and COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations rising sharply – a trend health officials warn is likely to continue in coming weeks.
In the week ending June 29, more than 2,800 flu cases were recorded, marking the highest weekly figure this year. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said nearly 300 hospital beds a day are now occupied by patients with influenza or COVID-19.
“Around half of all flu hospitalisations and 65 per cent of COVID hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over,” Dr Carroll said.
More than 90 per cent of Queenslanders hospitalised with either illness 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.
RSV and influenza are also posing challenges. Nearly 3,000 people have been hospitalised for flu this year, with 92 per cent of those unvaccinated. Alarmingly, 450 children have also been admitted.
“Children are more likely to catch and spread influenza… but also young children are vulnerable to serious illness from the flu,” Dr Carroll said.
Queenslanders are urged to stay home if unwell and practise good hygiene to curb the spread.
