How the measures put in place to stop COVID-19 also put the breaks on flu spreading
But one part of Brisbane had more flu cases in a week than the rest of the state combined.
North
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Queensland’s flu cases are at a record low, and the coronavirus pandemic is the cause.
There has been an 84 per cent drop in the number of flu cases across the state so far this year compared to 2019.
The massive decline in flu cases occurred after the state’s COVID-19 response.
August is normally the flu season’s peak but just 5918 cases have been recorded in the state this year, with most being diagnosed before March.
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Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said the same steps that prevented the spread of COVID-19 had halted the flu this year.
“This year we’ve seen a significant decrease in the number of influenza cases, which is really pleasing to see,” she said.
“This is largely due to restrictions put in place as part of the COVID-19 response and Queenslanders have done a very good job at heeding the advice.
“As a result, we’ve seen fewer transmissions of viruses across the community.
In the week between July 27 and August 2, there were eight cases reported in the Metro South area, more than the rest of the state combined. Just one was reported in Metro North.
But in the same week last year Metro South had 1034 cases and Metro North 907.
Dr Young said travel restrictions, social distancing and better hand hygiene had stop flu transmissions.
“These restrictions include significantly reduced national and international travel with quarantine of those coming from overseas and interstate, restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing, and heightened adherence to hygiene measures,” she said.
“Research commissioned by Queensland Health earlier this year also showed that people have greatly improved their flu hygiene behaviours since the start of the year, reducing the chance of it spreading within the community.”
The research has revealed how Queenslanders have improved their hygiene since the start of the year.
HOW WE IMPROVED OUR HYGIENE
— 51 per cent of Queenslanders coughing and sneezing into a tissue, from 37 per cent in January.
— 62 per cent of Queenslanders disposing of used tissues immediately, from 55 per cent in January.
— 41 per cent of Queenslanders washing their hands appropriately, from 34 per cent in January.
— 31 per cent of Queensland are cleaning hands with an alcohol-based sanitiser, from 16 per cent in January.
—62 per cent of Queenslanders are staying at home and recovering if they have a virus or flu, from 38 per cent in January.