The latest Queensland Health data shows 57,963 cases of influenza have been recorded across Queensland in 2025, with 87 per cent of those not vaccinated.
Last week, 4,229 Queenslanders were diagnosed with influenza, a 16 per cent decrease compared to the previous week. Despite the decrease, influenza cases remain high and respiratory viruses continue to place significant pressure on the public health system.
Currently, more than 400 hospital beds are occupied daily by patients with influenza, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said the recent drop in cases does not mean Queensland is out of peak flu season, and people should not become complacent.
“While flu case rates have eased, we remain in peak flu season, hospitalisations are still steadily rising, and cases could go up again,” Dr McDougall said.
“Every day, nearly 250 hospital beds across the state are currently occupied by patients with influenza. Hospital occupancy rates have increased each week since the start of the year.
“There’s every possibility we could see another spike in cases next week. It’s not too late to get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19, stay vigilant with good hand hygiene, and stay home from work, school and childcare when sick.
“We know the flu is still circulating in our communities, so don’t try to wait the season out, get vaccinated and know you’re protected.”
Flu vaccination uptake continues to grow across the state, with more than 11,000 Queenslanders receiving their flu vaccination in the past week.
However, Dr McDougall emphasised the need for more people to roll up their sleeves for the flu vaccination, particularly those over 65 and under five.
“It’s great more people are taking action to get vaccinated against flu, with another 11,200 Queenslanders getting vaccinated in the past week,” she said.
“Vaccination is your best protection against serious illness and a hospital stay.
“Every Queenslander over the age of six months is eligible for a free flu vaccine – it’s quick, easy and free.”
Tragically, at least 127 people have died this year from flu related illness – this includes 18 people aged under 65 years.
RSV cases and hospitalisations have remained steady in the past week. New COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations continue to decrease; however, cases may rise again as new variants circulate.
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’re due for your COVID-19 vaccination, you can get it at the same time as your flu vaccination.
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 surveillance data as of 18 August 2025 is below.
Influenza
This year to date, Queensland has recorded 57,963 cases. Of these cases:
- 87 per cent of confirmed cases are not vaccinated.
- 5,558 were admitted to hospital – 83 per cent were not vaccinated.
- There have been 127 flu related deaths reported this year (1 January – 17 August 2025), compared with 149 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 17 August 2024).
- An average of 248 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by flu patients in the last week (11–17 August), which is up from an average of 243 beds in the previous week (4–10 August).
- Currently, 1,695,794 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against flu (up to 18 August 2025), This compares to a total of 1,684,524 in the previous week (up to 10 August 2025).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications have remained steady, with 912 cases notified in the last week.
There have been 23,951 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 6,243 (26 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years.
- 2,739 (11 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 1,022 (37 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years.
- Hospitalisations have remained steady, with an average of 64 public hospital beds across the state are occupied every day by RSV patients in the last week.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications decreased in the last week compared to previous week, with 961 COVID-19 cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 29,623 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 7,098 (24 per cent) were aged 75 years and over.
- 5,711 (19 per cent) were admitted to hospital – 92 per cent were not up to date with vaccination.
- An average of 84 public hospital beds are occupied daily by COVID-19 patients in the last week.
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.