Hospitals in Queensland’s Metro North region are grappling with a significant surge in flu cases, with Queensland Health reporting numbers that are 3.1 times higher than the average for this time of year.
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Metro North hospitals include The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston, Caboolture Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Kilcoy Hospital, and the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) in Herston.
The spike in cases has led to immense pressure on the healthcare system, with some families experiencing the strain firsthand. One mother of three described the difficulty of having two of her children admitted to different hospitals due to a shortage of available beds, all while she was battling the flu herself.
Health experts warn that the current wave of respiratory illnesses is particularly severe. Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, an infectious diseases specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, highlighted that 2024 has seen significant increases in cases of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Dr Hajkowicz noted that while some respiratory illnesses follow a predictable seasonal pattern, others have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to unpredictable spikes.
In previous years, Queensland has seen RSV peak in autumn, followed by flu in winter, and other viruses like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) emerging in spring. However, ongoing disruptions mean that respiratory disease patterns remain erratic. COVID-19, in particular, has yet to settle into a seasonal pattern, continuing to spike unexpectedly.
According to the Health Department, rhinovirus—the common cold—was the most frequently reported illness last year, accounting for about one-third of cases. Influenza and COVID-19 followed closely, with RSV making up 8.1 per cent of cases and HMPV at 7.8 per cent.
Medical professionals stress the importance of preventive measures, especially for young Queenslanders who may have missed routine exposures during the pandemic that could have strengthened their immune systems. Vaccination remains a key tool in reducing the spread and severity of infections like flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough, which can be particularly dangerous for infants and other high-risk groups.
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As hospitals continue to manage the surge, authorities urge residents to take necessary precautions, including staying up to date with vaccinations, practising good hygiene, and seeking medical advice early if symptoms worsen. With respiratory illnesses placing increasing strain on the healthcare system, early intervention and preventive care remain crucial in reducing severe cases and hospital admissions.
Published 22-March-2025
