Flu deaths up by more than 50pc

AT LEAST 25 Queenslanders have died of the flu so far this year, more than half the number for the whole of 2018, with the peak of the season yet to hit.

Queensland Health figures show flu deaths are up 56 per cent on the 16 recorded during the same period last year.

With confirmed flu cases running at more than three times the five-year average at this time of year, Queensland is on track to surpass the 2018 total of 43 influenza deaths.

Queensland Health does not usually release data related to flu deaths, but has taken the unusual step of providing the numbers this year, to encourage people to get a vaccination.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young pleaded with people to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

“Flu is a serious viral illness,” she said. “It is not the same as a common cold and these figures clearly show how serious the complications can be. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.”

So far this year, 10,328 cases of confirmed flu have been registered in Queensland and more than 800 people have been admitted to the state’s public hospitals with the virus since the start of the year, including 73 who required intensive care.