Urgent warning as deadly flu rips through Qld schools

Queensland schools have been hit with bulk student and staff absences as influenza, Covid and gastro rips through communities triggering serious health fears.

Queensland schools are reporting up to 30 per cent of students and staff are at home sick as influenza, Covid and gastro runs rampant in the community.

Parents have been urged to keep sick kids away from school and to ensure they’re up to date with vaccinations.

Queensland Association of State School Principals president Pat Murphy said some schools had been hit with high rates of student absences.

Mr Murphy said one prep class had been hit with nine absences out of 24 enrolled.

“Parents are saying to the schools it’s a combination of cold and flu and also gastro as to why children are away,” Mr Murphy said.

“Some schools have reported about 30 per cent of the students have been away this week.

“One principal said he had a prep class with only 15 students present from 24.”

Queensland’s top doctor said he had concerns about the state’s children with school now back.

“We are very concerned about the increase in influenza B cases and the high rate of unvaccinated patients, particularly with school resuming this week,” chief health officer Dr Gerrard said on Wednesday.

It comes following the tragic death of 11-year-old schoolgirl Emma Schwab who died with the flu a day after being released from Noosa Hospital’s emergency department.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said he was concerned about influenza rates among Queensland children. Picture: John Gass

Queensland experienced an influenza A wave leading into winter, but influenza B has taken over as the dominant strain.

One school insider said some schools had reported more absences than usual, attributed to higher rates of influenza that were nearing pre-Covid levels.

“Not wiping out entire classes but lots of flu,” they said.

A parent also told The Courier-Mail their daughter’s primary school had up to 12 students absent at one stage last term.

“She (daughter) had more time off than any other term ever, she had two different bugs,” the woman said.

Education Minister Grace Grace urged parents and families to ensure they were up to date with influenza and Covid-19 shots.

“Well, obviously we normally post-Covid and during Covid, was that if you are ill to really consider whether you go to school or not,” Ms Grace told media on Thursday.

“And particularly if you have Covid or you have the flu, it’s best to stay away from school.

“Schools are to alert parents if there are outbreaks of flu or Covid and they are sent home and parents are contacted.”

A department of education spokeswoman said children or staff with signs of illness or those feeling unwell should stay at home.

“Anyone who has been suffering from illness should only return to their school or early childhood service once they are no longer showing signs of illness,” the spokesman said.

“If a child develops symptoms while at school, their parent or carer will be contacted and asked to collect them as soon as possible.”