Queensland respiratory infections: Flu, RSV and COVID-19 update – 29 August 2025
29 Aug 2025
Since the start of 2025:
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62,424 flu cases have been recorded, with 86% of cases unvaccinated.
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6,002 people were admitted to hospital for flu, with 82% unvaccinated.
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135 flu-related deaths have been reported, including 20 people under 65.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said hospital data shows flu, COVID-19, and RSV are putting pressure on the health system. About 400 hospital beds are currently occupied daily by patients with these infections.
Vaccination remains the best protection. Almost 10,000 Queenslanders received a flu vaccine last week, but more people, especially children under five and adults over 65, are encouraged to get their free flu shot. Flu vaccines are available at GPs, pharmacies, and community clinics, and COVID-19 boosters can be given at the same time.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
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Notifications are decreasing, with 849 cases reported last week.
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24,831 cases have been reported this year; 26% were children under 2 years.
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About 61 hospital beds are occupied daily by RSV patients, down slightly from last week.
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RSV vaccination is free for pregnant women (28–36 weeks) and some infants.
COVID-19:
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988 cases were reported last week.
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30,649 cases have been recorded in 2025; 24% were aged 75+ and 92% of hospitalised cases were not up to date with vaccination.
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On average, 83 hospital beds are occupied daily by COVID-19 patients.
Queenslanders are encouraged to stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations to protect themselves and reduce pressure on hospitals.
For more information and weekly updates, visit the Queensland Health Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance website.
Source: Queensland Health
