Over 3,050 cases were documented in the past week, marking the highest weekly total of flu cases recorded so far.

Over 210 people have been hospitalised in the past week with influenza, with more than 90 per cent being unvaccinated.

“Last week, an average of 129 beds were occupied daily by patients hospitalised with the flu,” Dr Heidi Carroll said.

“In the week prior, an average of 112 beds were occupied daily by flu patients.

“We are expecting flu hospitalisations to overtake COVID-19 hospitalisations in coming weeks.

“There was an average of 165 beds occupied by people hospitalised with COVID-19 across the state last week.”

She says vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness from influenza, which can be fatal in young children and elderly people. 

“Vaccination is the best defence against winter viruses to stop the chain of transmission and prevent serious illness,” Carroll said.

Experts are also concerned that flu cases will soar further when school children go back to school next week.

Dr. Carroll stated, “Children tend to contract and spread influenza more easily, driving community transmission, and they are particularly susceptible to severe flu-related illnesses.”

“Although more than 32,600 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported in Queensland this year, we are aware that the actual number of cases in the community is likely much higher, indicating flu is actively circulating.”