The latest health data has revealed an interesting trend ahead of the peak season for flu and Covid-19 infections.
A “sharp uptick in flu cases” was reported by Queensland Health over the seven days to June 18, with the number of flu infections amounting to double those with Covid-19.
More than 2700 people were infected with Covid-19, while almost 4400 people were infected with the flu.
“It is not the time for complacency. The virus is still out there as well as influenza and RSV, so we need to take care,” Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
It comes as the Queensland government scraps its Covid-19 monitoring system, instead switching gears to treat the virus like any other respiratory illness.
“The total number of flu cases this year is almost three times the average for the same period in 2018-2022, so we need to be vigilant,” Ms Fentiman said.
However, as the first month of winter comes to a close, the rate of serious illness requiring time in hospital was higher for Covid-19 cases.
In the same week, 256 people – or almost 10 per cent – with Covid-19 were counted in hospital beds as opposed to 180 infected with the flu.
Only one Covid-19 case and three flu cases required intensive care treatment over the week.
“It’s no secret the arrival of winter places extra demand on Queensland’s hospitals, but they are well prepared for the rise in flu and Covid-19 cases,” Ms Fentiman said.
The Covid-19 death rate is still proportionately low, with just 0.5 per cent of the 101,351 cases reported this year so far ending in fatality.
Health authorities have urged residents to stay up to date with their vaccinations.