Influenza found in area

DARLING Downs Health has confirmed nearly 40 cases of influenza have been recorded across the region this year as authorities urge residents to get a flu jab.

From the start of the year to May 8, there have been 39 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza in the Darling Downs Health region, a slight increase on previous years.

With colder weather setting in, DDH Public Health and Community Medicine director Dr Liam Flynn said it was important for people to receive the flu vaccine.

“Now is a great time to protect yourself and your loved ones, so you’re immunised before the flu season arrives,” Dr Flynn said.

“Flu season in Queensland typically peaks in August, so I’d encourage all members of our community to visit their GP or pharmacist and get the influenza jab soon.

“The flu hasn’t gone away, and we still face the possibility of a serious flu season this year.”

Queensland is on a frightening trajectory towards a horror flu season, with the state already recording the worst May in eight years, including the shocking 2019 season that killed 264 people.

“The latest figures show that in May in Queensland we have 1000 confirmed cases of influenza and a number of combined flu-Covid cases,” Australian Medical Association Queensland president Chris Perry said.

“Last year, there were only 598 cases across Australia. We have not seen 1000 cases in Queensland in May for eight years.

“This suggests that we will see a significant and early flu season.”

In addition to the influenza cases, Covid cases have remained steady in the Darling Downs with Queensland Health data confirming there are 33 cases under DDH care.

It comes as recent research from a Chinese study found that more than half a group of patients who were hospitalised with Covid-19 at the beginning of the pandemic, still had lingering symptoms two years later.

The study followed a group of nearly 2500 people who were among the first to be infected with the virus, and measured their health outcomes.

According to the research, 55 per cent of patients reported at least one Covid-related symptom two years on, and most were still generally in poorer health.