Queensland on track for worst viral outbreak in seven years - as terrifying number of patients are hospitalised
- Queensland set for worst flu season
- About 4,000 people admitted to hospital so far
- Experts urging residents to get flu vaccine
- READ MORE: Virus outbreak in Queensland as children hospitalisations double
One Australian state is on track for its worst flu season in seven years with thousands of residents already admitted to hospital.
Queensland has recorded about 4,000 hospital admissions for influenza so far this year, according to the latest health data.
A total of 42,626 cases have been reported overall, with 5,674 people diagnosed within the last week.
As of Saturday, 346 people with influenza A are currently in hospital, including 28 children under the age of five and 181 patients aged 65 and over.
Hospital admissions have already outpaced the figures for the entire year of 2019, which was considered one of the state's worst flu seasons.
The worst year on record was in 2017, with 6,079 patients requiring hospital care.
Chief medical officer Catherine McDougall has warned peak hospitalisations for the flu in Queensland was still weeks away.
'One in four people who are testing for flu are positive, this is a sign that there is a lot of virus in the community,' Dr McDougall said.
Queensland has recorded about 4,000 hospital admissions for influenza so far this year, according to the latest health data
'The numbers this year show that this is the worst flu season we've had since 2019… 14 per cent of all of the cases that we've had so far this year, happened last week.
'It's very likely that this is going to continue to spread, [and] we're looking at a peak towards the end of August.'
Dr McDougall added cases were highest among children, with 'almost as many under fives diagnosed with the flu as there were over 65s'.
'This is not just a disease affecting our elderly population, it's affecting the whole community,' she said.
The state government is set to spend millions of dollars on hospital beds and resources to help alleviate the strain on hospitals caused by the spike in flu cases.
Health minister Shannon Fentiman is expected to announce an $88.6million funding boost on Monday for the state's public hospitals.
The funding will help improve hospital capacity by boosting resources including more nurses, more hospital beds and streamlining patient flow in the emergency department.
Non-critical patients will be diverted from the emergency department to the minor injury and illness clinics in Caloundra and on the Gold Coast.
The clinics will also see their hours extended to accomodate the influx of patients, with the Coloundra clinic remaining open until 10pm and the Gold Coast clinic open 24 hours a day.
Queensland premier Steven Miles said the dramatic influx of patients was putting additional pressure on the state's already strained health system.
He added the number of young children being hospitalised was 'obviously very concerning' and urged Queenslanders to get vaccinated for the flu.
'It is absolutely critical that everyone who can gets their flu shot, to help protect the most vulnerable people in our community,' Mr Miles said.
'That's why we have made the flu vaccine free, so cost isn't a barrier to staying safe and healthy.'
The state is on track for its worst flu season in seven years, with experts urging residents to get their free flu vaccine, which is available at pharmacies, through a GP and at the annual agricultural show in Ekka (pictured)
Ms Fentiman also echoed Mr Miles' call for parents to get themselves and their children vaccinated.
'We plan for intense periods like this every year, but what we are seeing this year is extraordinary demand,' she said.
'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.
'This doubling of hospitalisations is concerning for our smallest Queenslanders and I am asking parents across the state, please vaccinate yourself and your kids.
'If you haven't had your free flu vaccination, please get it.'
Queensland is the only state in Australia to offer residents free flu vaccinations.
The vaccine is available at pharmacies or through a GP and will also be made available at the annual agricultural show in Ekka that runs until August 18.
