General News
19 April, 2026
All urged to get flu jabs
WITH thousands of tourists expected to arrive in the Far North in coming weeks, health officials are reminding residents and travellers to get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has so far recorded 336 cases of influenza since the start of the year, indicating flu season is well underway in the region.
Cairns Public Health Unit director Dr Jacqui Murdoch said flu cases usually spiked in the Far North with the influx of interstate and international visitors.
“As our weather starts to cool down, Cairns is an attractive destination for thousands of people from far and wide coming to see the Great Barrier Reef and our World Heritage listed rainforests,” she said.
“Flu may be present year-round, but the dramatic increase of visitors to our region does elevate the risk of flu spreading in our community.”
Dr Murdoch said last year in Queensland, more than 70% of people admitted to hospital with the flu had not been vaccinated.
“The flu spreads easily and can make you very sick,” she said.
“Getting a flu vaccine is one of the best ways to stop yourself from becoming seriously ill.
“Being vaccinated helps protect, not only you, but also your family, friends and workmates.”
The free yearly flu vaccine is now available for Queenslanders through their local GP, pharmacist or other vaccine provider.
Dr Murdoch said for the first time, children aged 2-5 years could receive the free flu vaccine as a nasal spray instead of a needle.
“Young children and babies can get very sick from the flu and are often exposed to germs in places like childcare,” she said.
“To stop flu outbreaks, parents and carers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated and keep them home if they are sick.
“Young children and babies often pass the flu on to the rest of the family.”
She said the flu was most often caused by type A or B influenza viruses that infected the upper airways and lungs.
“Flu symptoms usually appear one to three days after being infected and include fever, dry cough, muscle and joint pain, tiredness or extreme exhaustion, headache and sore throat,” she said.
“In the elderly, fever may be absent and the only signs of flu may be confusion, shortness of breath or worsening of a chronic condition.
“Children are more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“Don’t be complacent: get your free flu vaccination today to protect yourself and our community.”
For more information, search ‘flu facts qld’ or visit the Queensland Health website to find out more.
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