How Qld's flu season has played out

QUEENSLAND'S HORROR FLU SEASON:

Strains:

* Split into A and B categories

* Two B types typically circulate but one usually predominant

* A strain more severe than B

Vaccine:

* Subsidised version includes two A, one B

* Strains nominated in February before flu season

* Privately available vaccine includes extra B

* This year's vaccine included Influenza A California, Influenza A Switzerland, Influenza B Phuket

* Some say government should fund four-strain vaccine

Notifications in Queensland:

* 18,600 between January and end of August

* 2933 last week alone

* Almost 6000 for influenza A

* More than 12,000 for influenza B

* Past three weeks account for almost half of notifications

B Brisbane strain:

* Was included in subsidised vaccine 2010-2012

* Not anticipated to be prevalent this year

* Unexpected resurgence partly to blame for overall spike.

(Source: Department of Health data, Queensland government)