Queensland Health has issued a public health warning urging residents to remain vigilant as an unexpected rise in influenza cases sweeps across the state during the summer months. Authorities are advising individuals to stay home if unwell and to maintain good hygiene practices throughout the festive season.
According to the latest data from Queensland Health, as of December 14, over 95,000 flu cases have been reported this year, marking a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In just one week, from December 8 to 14, 1,690 new cases were recorded, following 1,973 cases the previous week.
Unseasonal Flu Surge: A Cause for Concern
Dr. Heidi Carroll, Executive Director of Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch, highlighted that the current flu case numbers and hospitalizations remain higher than expected for this time of year. “While flu case numbers and hospitalisations remain well below the winter peak, the recent summertime increase in cases is unusual,” Dr. Carroll stated.
The health department is encouraging Queenslanders who have not yet received the influenza vaccine this year to do so promptly. The vaccine is readily available through general practices, community pharmacies, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.
Vaccination and Travel Advice
Queensland residents planning to travel overseas are also advised to consult with their healthcare providers on best practices for protecting themselves while abroad. The importance of vaccination is underscored by the fact that 82 percent of confirmed flu cases this year occurred in individuals who were not vaccinated.
As of December 14, Queensland has recorded 95,520 flu cases in 2025, with 82 percent of confirmed cases occurring in people who were not vaccinated. This compares to 78,952 cases recorded by the same time last year.
By the Numbers: A Closer Look
The flu has affected various age groups differently. Of the cases recorded this year, 10,087 (11 percent) were children under five, while 16,176 (17 percent) were people aged 65 years and over. Hospitalizations have also been significant, with 9,187 individuals admitted due to influenza complications, 46 percent of whom were aged 65 and over.
There have been 289 flu-related deaths recorded between January 1 and December 14, 2025, compared with 198 deaths during the same period last year.
Understanding the 2025 Flu Season
The 2025 influenza season has been characterized by a prolonged peak and a slower decline in case numbers compared to previous years, such as 2023 and 2024. Health officials attribute this pattern to year-to-year variability influenced by circulating virus strains, environmental factors, increased social gatherings, and population immunity shaped by past infections and vaccine uptake.
Implications and Forward-Looking Analysis
The current situation underscores the importance of vaccination and public health measures. As the state navigates this unusual flu season, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to take preventive actions to protect themselves and vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, Queensland Health plans to enhance its public health campaigns to increase awareness and vaccine uptake. Residents are reminded that getting vaccinated not only protects the individual but also helps safeguard the community, especially those most at risk.
As the festive season unfolds, the message from health authorities remains clear: stay informed, stay protected, and prioritize health and safety.
