It has been finally announced by Queensland Health that flu season has arrived. Since last week, the state has witnessed 130 cases and they expect the number to increase further.

Acting senior director communicable diseases branch Frank Beard said that cases have been on rise since May and last week’s figure were quite concerning as the total number increased by four times. “Vaccination is the best protection against this disease but as it takes up to two weeks to be fully effective, I urge people to visit their local GP”, he further affirmed.

Till now, the prevailing pattern is that 32 cases have been witnessed per week and it seems that the pattern is going to continue for further months as well. Beard said that vaccination is absolutely free for pregnant women, elderly people above 65 years, and indigenous people aged 15 years, people, who have recovered from chronic illness, and homeless people.

Queensland Health has urged high risk groups to get vaccination at the vaccination centers. It has also been said that people, who think that they have caught the flu, should not visit hospitals. They can spread the virus and it can affect others, so they can call hospital and get the desired help.