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Queenslanders are being urged to stay home if they're sick, as the state battles an unusually late flu season.
Queensland Health figures show 2,911 people were diagnosed with influenza in the week to October 19[1] – 272 people of whom were hospitalised[2].
The number of patients hospitalised with flu is the highest since August 2025.
Mater's Director of Infectious Diseases Professor Paul Griffin said there has been an unusual level of influenza activity for this time of year, with an uptick in cases in September and October.
"It is atypical. Usually, we have the peak of the season much earlier and cases would be declining by now," Professor Griffin said.
The main driver of the later season is likely the unusually low level of cases earlier in the season, driven by the record-breaking number of flu cases last year, Prof Griffin said.
"Last year was such a huge season with so many people infected that it had an impact on reducing the start of this year's season, and as protection is now waning, we're seeing a much later peak,” Prof Griffin said.
"There are fewer cases than the large number we saw last year, but it is important to remind people that influenza is still around."
Professor Griffin said it was a timely reminder that infection can happen at any time of the year.
"That old assumption that it's just something that happens right in the middle of winter just isn't the case,” he said.
"Last year we saw unseasonal levels across even summer, this year we're seeing high numbers now and we're not necessarily through the worst of it," he said.
While the state's free flu vaccination program has ended, Professor Griffin said people can still get vaccinated and should be prepared to get vaccinated at the beginning of the season next year.
Measures to prevent infection include hand hygiene, mask wearing for people at high-risk, getting tested if you have flu-like symptoms and staying at home.
"There's a well-recognised concept of presenteeism where people think they're doing the right thing by turning up to work, university or school and soldiering on," Professor Griffin said.
"But it's well established that the impact on productivity by spreading flu is significant, so we really want people to be staying at home until their symptoms end."
[1] Notifiable conditions weekly totals | Queensland Health
[2] Acute respiratory infection surveillance reporting | Queensland Health
