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Flu cases in Queensland have spiked to the highest count this year, prompting a warning from health authorities for people to make use of the state’s free vaccination program in its final weeks.
There have been 20,876 influenza cases this year to date, with rates increasing in the past six weeks.
There were 1093 cases reported for the week of August 3, increasing to 2930 cases in the week of August 24, the highest weekly count recorded so far this year.
Unvaccinated patients have accounted for 84 per cent of hospitalisations since March 1.
Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale noted it was not too late to get a free vaccination before the program ended on September 30.
“This year, we’ve seen a later flu peak and a more unusual flu season which may be due to last year’s record number of cases,” she said.
“In addition to that, we also had a second wave of the ‘Super-K’ strain from Europe throughout December and January.
“These factors change the population’s immunity to flu, which is likely why we’re seeing a different-looking flu season this year.”
Of the 1.7 million Queenslanders who have received their flu vaccination this year, about 31,000 more children and adolescents have been vaccinated compared with last year.
The yearly flu vaccination is recommended for all people older than six months, especially those at high risk of becoming unwell – such as people with health conditions, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Gale also urged people to stay home if they were unwell.
“Seek medical advice if you are worried about your symptoms or are at higher risk of becoming very unwell,” she said.
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