The latest Queensland Health data shows that more than 200 public hospital beds (on average) are currently taken up by flu patients each day in Queensland, with almost half of patients aged 65 and over.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said flu cases and hospitalisations had steadily risen over recent weeks, with 229 people hospitalised with flu in Queensland on July 27.
“Flu cases continue to rise, with 3,902 cases recorded last week (July 21-27), which is the highest number of flu cases recorded in a single week this year to date,” Dr McDougall said.
“An average of 206 public hospital beds across the state are occupied every day by flu patients currently, which is up from an average of 186 beds in the previous week (July 14-20).
“Since the start of the year, 4,289 people have been hospitalised with flu – with 86 per cent of patients not vaccinated.”
Dr McDougall said while most hospitalisations were among adults (82 per cent), children are also susceptible to severe illness.
“Around 47 per cent of hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over. Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged over 65 and children aged under five – both these cohorts are vulnerable to severe illness from the flu,” Dr McDougall said.
As flu cases continue to rise, RSV cases and hospitalisations have remained steady in the last week. New COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations are slowly decreasing; however, cases may rise again as new variants circulate.
An average of 127 public hospital beds are currently occupied daily by patients with COVID-19, with RSV patients occupying an average of 59 hospital beds last week (July 21-27).
Dr McDougall reminded Queenslanders it is not too late to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.
“It’s concerning that less than 28 per cent (27.1 per cent or 1.65 million) of Queenslanders are vaccinated against flu,” Dr McDougall said.
“Most people being hospitalised for flu currently are not vaccinated – and this is increasing demand on our hospitals.
“The reality is that the flu can cause serious illness, but a hospital stay could be prevented through a quick and free vaccination.
“Queenslanders can receive a free flu vaccination from more than 2,500 community immunisation providers across the state, including GPs, community pharmacies and community clinics.
“If you haven’t been vaccinated against flu yet this year, I encourage you to consider vaccination now.
“Also, if you’re due for a COVID-19 booster dose, it can be administered at the same time as the flu vaccination.
“In addition to vaccination, it’s also important to prioritise good hygiene habits such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your arm and staying at home when you are sick to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 surveillance data as of 27 July 2025 is below.
Influenza
Influenza activity continues to increase. This year to date, Queensland has recorded 43,975 cases – 90 per cent of confirmed cases are not vaccinated.
Of these cases:
- 4,614 (10 per cent) were aged less than 5 years, while 7,784 (18 per cent) were aged 65 years and over and 21,392 cases (49 per cent) were aged between 18 and 64 years.
- As on 27 July 2025, 229 people were in a public hospital with influenza. This included 212 adults aged 18 years and above and 17 children aged 17 years and under.
- A total of 4,289 people have been hospitalised this year to date with the flu.
- There have been 97 flu related deaths this year (1 January – 27 July 2025), compared with 84 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 27 July 2024).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications have remained steady, with 911 cases notified in the last week.
There have been 987 fewer RSV hospitalisations among infants under 6 months of age since Queensland’s RSV Prevention Program commenced in April 2024 than would otherwise have been expected.
There have been 21,003 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 5,554 (26 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years.
- 2,433 (12 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 926 (38 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years. Hospitalisations have remained steady, with 52 people in hospital with RSV on 27 July 2025.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications have remained steady, with 1,122 COVID-19 cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 26,248 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 6,476 (25 per cent) were aged 75 years and over.
- 5,231 (20 per cent) were admitted to hospital, including 3,359 (64 per cent) aged 65 years and older. As on 27 July 2025, 117 people were in hospital with COVID-19.
- 92 per cent of all COVID-19 hospitalisations are not up to date with vaccination.
Further information
- For weekly updates on the current situation, visit the Queensland Health’s Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance.
- Free flu vaccination is available to all Queensland residents aged 6 months or older. More information on the 2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program is available on the Queensland Health website.
- Queenslanders are encouraged to consider a COVID-19 booster based on age and risk assessment as well as an annual flu vaccination. More information is available on the Australian Government website.
- The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as the flu vaccination. People should talk to their health provider for more information.
- RSV vaccination is free in Queensland for all expectant mothers during weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy, and some infants may be eligible for the free infant RSV immunisation. For further information on RSV immunisation eligibility, visit the Queensland Health website.
- Further flu vaccination data is available on the Australian Government website.