More than 30 Queenslanders dead from flu-related issues in less than three weeks

Queensland’s deaths from flu-related causes have risen to 126 since the beginning of the year, including 30 in just the past few weeks.

MORE than 30 Queenslanders have died from flu-related causes in less than three weeks.

The latest figures show Queensland has recorded at least 126 flu-associated deaths in 2019 – almost three times the total for the whole of 2018.

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A quarter of this year’s Queensland flu deaths occurred between August 16 and September 2, with 31 people dying.

Five of the people who have died of flu-related issues since the beginning of the year have been aged in their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Although Victoria has recorded seven flu-related deaths in children in 2019, so far no Queensland children have died.

About 80 per cent of the Queensland deaths this flu season have been in people aged in their 70s and older.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System data shows 55,398 people have tested positive to the flu in Queensland so far in 2019 – just 1194 cases short of equalling the record 2017 season.

Queensland is heading towards a record flu year in 2019 based on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases.

Across Australia, 2019 has already surpassed 2017 in terms of laboratory-confirmed flu cases with 259,428 people testing positive – more than 8000 higher than two years ago.

But Immunisation Coalition chairman Robert Booy believes this year’s record year may have occurred on the back of increased testing.

“We don’t have the intensive care admissions that you’d expect if it was the same as 2017,” Professor Booy said.

“Every year we have better surveillance, we have even more people tested.”

Professor Booy said more than 12 million Australians had received the flu jab this year – the best year by far.

Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles yesterday recalled his own experience of having to call triple-0 as a result of the flu in 2017 when he had the environment portfolio.

“I missed my flu shot. I ended up having to call an ambulance to my home and they took me to Redcliffe Hospital,” he said.

“Thanks to the hardworking ambos and hospital staff, I made a full recovery. But some people aren’t so lucky.

“Flu deaths have now surpassed 100 in Queensland this year. Each one of these deaths would have been devastating for family, friends and communities. The flu shot saves lives.”