Flu strikes thousands

AT least 10,000 Queenslanders have already been struck down by the flu and more are expected to fall ill in the coming weeks, the state’s heath department has warned.

Most of the 10,831 cases this year, about 78 per cent, were for influenza A while 22 per cent have contracted influenza B, say Queensland Health.

Communicable disease director Dr Sonya Bennett has urged people to be vaccinated, saying 1324 Queenslanders had been hospitalised with 126 needing intensive care.