In recent years, the familiar symptoms of the flu might kick us into reaching for at-home testing kits. But on the eve of the next flu season, public health experts say the best approach is what we’ve always done.<\/p>\n
This represents an 18 per cent jump on last year\u2019s total of 79,770 cases \u2014 the previous highest number in a decade.<\/p>\n
It is well up from the 5,509 cases recorded in 2013 and the 298 cases recorded in 2021.<\/p>\n
The highest increase in cases occurred in the North West health region, which takes in areas like Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Mornington Island and Normanton.<\/p>\n
There were 322 cases in 2024. So far this year, there have been 843 cases \u2014 an increase of 162 per cent.<\/p>\n
Cases on the Gold Coast jumped 43 per cent \u2014 from 9,654 to 13,843 \u2014 while cases in Brisbane\u2019s Metro North health service region jumped 26 per cent from 14,648 to 18,387.<\/p>\n
But not every region recorded an increased number of cases \u2014 some actually recorded drops.<\/p>\n
Cases in the South West region \u2014 which takes in Roma, Charleville and St George \u2014 dropped 28 per cent from 620 last year to 449 so far this year.<\/p>\n
In the West Moreton region \u2014 which embraces Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley \u2014 cases dropped 10 per cent from 7,433 last year to 6,721 so far this year.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
While Queensland’s overall flu cases spiked, some regions recorded a drop in infections. (ABC News: Michael Lloyd)<\/p>\n
Over 23,650 cases were reported in the Metro South health region, taking in Brisbane\u2019s southern suburbs and Logan.<\/p>\n
As of December 14, there was \u2014 at that point \u2014 66 people in hospital with influenza.<\/p>\n
Most in hospital were over 65 years old.<\/p>\n
Prolonged peak, slow decline<\/p>\n
Data suggests the 2025 influenza season has been marked by a prolonged peak and a slower decline in case numbers when compared with the more rapid rise and fall recorded in 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n
Authorities believe these trends are consistent with other jurisdictions in Australia and around the world. They are likely influenced by changes to influenza strains, weather conditions, increased social gatherings and population immunity.<\/p>\n
There have been 289 flu-related deaths reported in Queensland so far this year.<\/p>\n
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Flu cases remain higher than usual for this time of year. (ABC News: Kym Agius)<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Queensland Health said the flu notifications and hospitalisations remained higher than expected for this time of year.<\/p>\n
“It is important people take precautions,” they said.<\/p>\n
“Influenza numbers remain well below the August 2025 peak, but flu is still circulating in the community with more than 1,600 new flu cases recorded in the last week.<\/p>\n
“We want to remind Queenslanders to prioritise good hygiene habits such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and staying at home when unwell to prevent the spread of influenza to others.<\/p>\n
“This is especially important as we move into the holiday season so people can enjoy time with their family, friends and loved ones.”<\/p>\n
New flu strain<\/p>\n
Andrew Redmond, an infectious diseases specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women\u2019s Hospital, said the increase in case numbers was likely due to a combination of factors.<\/p>\n
These include the fact that people are now travelling more and potentially bringing the virus back with them, and that vaccination rates have declined since the pandemic.<\/p>\n
However, he suspects the jump in cases between this year and last could be attributed to a viral mutation and the creation of a new strain called ‘K’.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Andrew Redmond is an infectious diseases specialist. (ABC News: William Murray)<\/p>\n
“There are two circulating strains of influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2, and they are both pretty well covered by the vaccine,” Dr Redmond said.<\/p>\n
“There was a strain that escaped out of [H3N2] which was not as well protected by the vaccine.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s called the ‘K strain’, and this is probably what is largely circulating now.”<\/p>\n
There is no evidence to suggest ‘K\u2019 causes more severe symptoms, but because it is not as well combated by the vaccine, it spreads more easily.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The state government announced a 48-hour pause on elective surgeries in June. (ABC News: Alice Pavlovic)<\/p>\n
Dr Redmond said the vaccine would likely be updated next year to include protection again the K-strain.<\/p>\n
Flu numbers rise while vaccine rates remain low <\/a><\/p>\n The flu season is ramping up with more cases, more hospital admissions and more patients sent to intensive care units.<\/p>\n Some 1,690 cases were reported in the week ending December 14, which is considered unusually high for this time of year.<\/p>\n Dr Redmond it made it even more important for people to ensure they were vaccinated heading into a social time of year, particularly those at increased risk from infection.<\/p>\n “For those of us who aren\u2019t dealing with lots of medical illnesses, maybe the benefits are less to us and more for those around us,” he said.<\/p>\n “But that\u2019s still a real benefit.”<\/p>\n Premier and deputy premier refuse to reveal vaccine status<\/p>\n