Qld on track for worst flu season in seven years, as hospitalisations skyrocket

An alarming surge in the number of people hospitalised with a contagious virus has one state on track to experience its most severe flu season in years.

Thousands of people have been admitted to hospital as one state is on track to endure its most severe flu season in seven years.

More than 4000 Queenslanders have required hospitalisation this flu season, with a further 42,626 cases recorded across the state.

The alarming number of hospitalisations has already eclipsed the total number of cases recorded for the entire year of 2019 by about 1000 cases.

Queensland’s worst year on record in respect to hospitalisations was 2017 when 6079 people were admitted into hospital.

Rates of influenza in children have skyrocketed in Queensland.

With the flu season still weeks away from peaking, the state government has committed to investing $88.6m to improve capacity at hospitals impacted by the rise in respiratory illnesses statewide.

The funding will be used to provide 99 additional beds, more nursing and triage staff as well as expanding hours at Caloundra and Gold Coast University Hospital minor injury and illness clinics.

The number of young children hospitalised after contracting the flu has more than doubled in the past week, with 28 children remaining in hospital with influenza A as of Monday.

Less than 15 per cent of children admitted to hospital with the flu have been vaccinated.

Nearly 140 people aged between five and 64 and a further 181 Queenslanders aged over 65 are receiving treatment in hospital.

Hundreds of Queenslanders have been hospitalised with the disease.

The alarming increase in cases this flu season has prompted Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to call on parents to vaccinate themselves and their children as the flu season is expected to worsen in the coming weeks.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the dramatic increase in young children being hospitalised with the disease was “obviously very concerning”.

“It is absolutely critical that everyone who can gets their flu shot, to help protect the most vulnerable people in our community,” he said.

“That’s why we have made the flu vaccine free, so cost isn’t a barrier to staying safe and healthy.”

Mr Miles said projections showed this year’s flu season would put additional pressure on “already busy” health facilities.

“Bringing more beds online will help meet that demand,” he said.

“This investment will also help divert non-critical patients away from our EDs, with extended hours at the Gold Coast and Caloundra injury and illness clinics and expanding the successful Hospital in the Home program.”

With the worst of the flu season yet to come, Ms Fentiman echoed the Premier’s calls for all Queenslanders to get the free jab.

“No one wants to see their child or loved one hospitalised, and we know that vaccination makes a huge difference when it comes to the risk of being hospitalised with flu,” he said.

“This doubling of hospitalisations is concerning for our smallest Queenslanders and I am asking parents across the state, please vaccinate yourself and your kids.

Queensland is the only state to offer free flu vaccinations, which are available at pharmacies and through a GP.

Free vaccinations will also be available at the annual agricultural show, Ekka.

Originally published as Qld on track for worst flu season in seven years, as hospitalisations skyrocket