Bold warning: influenza cases are rising, and communities in Cape York, Torres Strait, and the Northern Peninsula Area need to act now to protect themselves and their kids.
Here’s what you should know in clear terms. Respiratory illnesses—influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19—are circulating, and influenza spikes are already being seen in some communities, including Weipa on the Western Cape. So far this year, the health service has logged 90 flu cases, compared with 15 at the same point last year, signaling a noticeable uptick.
What to do to stay safe
- Practice good hygiene all year: wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, cover your coughs, dispose of tissues properly, and avoid close contact if you or others are sick.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work or school, rest, and drink plenty of fluids until you’re well, which is typically five to seven days.
- Watch for warning signs: fast or difficult breathing, chest pains, extreme sleepiness, or a worsening condition. If these occur, seek medical care early—your doctor or clinic may offer antiviral treatment, which is most effective when started in the first couple of days of symptoms. This is especially important if you have other chronic conditions.
- Remember the risks: flu and COVID-19 can be serious, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with certain underlying illnesses. RSV can affect everyone but poses the greatest risk to infants and young children, who may experience runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, headache, irritability, listlessness, feeding difficulties, weight loss, or labored breathing.
Vaccination: your strongest defense
- The seasonal flu vaccine will roll out from March 1 and is free for all Queensland residents. It’s designed to protect against the flu strains expected for this year, and you should get vaccinated to maintain protection against evolving strains.
- There will be a needle-free nasal spray option for children aged two to five years. Young people play a key role in reducing transmission, so vaccination helps protect families and communities.
- A yearly vaccination is needed because flu viruses change annually and prior immunity does not guarantee protection against new strains.
Where to get the vaccine
- Once available, you can receive the seasonal flu shot at GPs, pharmacies, and all primary health centers serving the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area. Clinics at Thursday Island and Bamaga hospitals, the Weipa Integrated Health Service, and the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service will also offer it.
- Ensure your COVID-19 booster is up to date, with boosters readily available across the health service.
A practical takeaway
Staying proactive with vaccination, practicing solid hygiene, and recognizing early warning signs can significantly reduce illness and help keep these communities safer as influenza trends evolve.
What do you think about the balance between vaccination campaigns and everyday hygiene in preventing outbreaks? Are you planning to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season, and why or why not?
