Queensland’s grim flu milestone, back-to-school warning

Queensland has recorded another grim flu milestone, with a bleak warning ahead of back-to-school next week.

Queensland Chief Health Officer, Dr Heidi Carroll. Picture: John Gass

Flu cases are expected to surge when students return to the classroom next week, with Queensland recording another 3050 cases – the highest number in a single week so far this year.

Queensland Health has revealed 84 flu-related deaths have been recorded in 2025 and more than 210 patients were hospitalised in the past week alone.

Flu hospitalisations were expected to overtake those for Covid-19 in coming weeks.

Last week, an average of 129 hospital beds were occupied by flu patients every day, up from an average of 112 beds the week before.

More than 90 per cent of hospitalised flu cases this year were unvaccinated.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said flu cases were expected to increase among students when school resumed next week.

“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.

“While more than 32,600 lab-confirmed flu cases have been recorded in Queensland this year, we know the actual number of flu cases in the community are much higher – and flu is spreading.”

Dr Carroll said flu vaccination rates in Queensland were lower than national coverage rates for all age groups – despite the jab being free.

“Vaccination is the best defence against winter viruses to stop the chain of transmission and prevent serious illness,” Dr Carroll said.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated against flu this season – I encourage you to consider vaccination.

“We don’t want to see any more flu related deaths this year.”

Covid-19 cases have remained steady, with 1217 reported in the past week taking the 2025 total so far to 22,553.

RSV notifications have also remained steady, with 880 cases notified in the past week.

There have been 943 fewer RSV hospitalisations among infants under six months of age since a prevention program began in April last year than would otherwise have been expected.

Queenslanders are reminded to prioritise good hygiene habits such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your arm and staying home when sick to stop the spread of all acute respiratory illnesses.