Concerning pre-winter influenza numbers have prompted warnings from the local health authorities, urging Logan residents to get immunised and follow a few “simple steps” to help stop the spread.
With the official start of winter only weeks away, the number of influenza cases in the Metro South region is already three times higher than average, with about 4000 cases reported so far and more than 200 cases in the last week alone.
And it is likely only going to get worse.
Over the last five years, there were an average 1364 cases reported this far into the year.
The yearly spike in cases was followed by a rise in lives lost, with 42 deaths in the Metro South region attributed to influenza in 2024.
In 2023, there were 31 deaths. And in 2022, there were 21.
Between July 2023 and February 2024, there were 479 hospitalisations and five deaths at Logan Hospital specifically.
In the year that followed, there were 518 hospitalisations and an unknown number of deaths – Queensland Health refused to provide the amount when asked.
In comparison, there were 629 hospitalisations and three deaths the previous year.
Now, Metro South Health is advising residents to get their free flu vaccine as soon as possible, stay at home if unwell, and wash their hands regularly to help everyone stay healthy.
Dr Bhakti Vasant from the Metro South Health Public Health Unit said the flu affected people in different ways.
While we haven’t yet seen the peak of flu in our region, Dr Vasant said it was important to get immunised to protect yourself and your loved ones.
She said the northern hemisphere had recently experienced a severe flu season with a high number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths in some regions.
“We have already recorded around 3500 cases of influenza this year, with Influenza A appearing the most dominant strain in Metro South and the rest of Queensland,” Dr Vasant said.
A clinical nurse consultant at Logan Hospital, Tain Gardiner, said everyone had a role to play in keeping the community safe.
“Cleaning your hands properly stops the spread of germs that can make people sick,” she said.
“At Logan Hospital, the Infection Prevention and Management team works hand-in-hand with staff to uphold the highest standards of hand hygiene to keep you safe.”
Authorities are looking to keep the messaging simple: take advantage of the fully-subsidised vaccine before it ends this coming September, and keep your distance from others if you do get sick.
“With World Hand Hygiene Day almost upon us, we are busy spreading the message that clean hands save lives,” Ms Gardiner said.
“Hand cleaning should occur after coughing or sneezing, when hands are visibly dirty, before and after eating, and after using the toilet.”
As well as educating staff about hand hygiene, Ms Gardiner and her team have administered vaccinations to more than 1800 of the hospital’s health professionals.
Free, government-funded vaccines are available to all Queenslanders aged six months and older from until September 2025.
The Free flu vaccine program was designed to reduce pressure on emergency departments and the broader healthcare system.
