Teen thanks hospital staff after nearly dying from the flu - as doctors warn of another bad flu season
Flu victim Mercedes King knows how lucky she is to be alive.
Six months ago, the flu nearly killed her, putting her in a coma for two weeks.
The Mackay teenager has reunited with the hospital staff who looked after her to thank them and join calls for Queenslanders to get vaccinated.
Last year's flu season was so bad, it made headlines around the world.
There are now fears Queensland is on track for another deadly flu outbreak, prompting survivors to join doctors in urging people to protect themselves.
"Concerningly, we are already starting to see an increase in presentations with the flu this early in the season," Health Minister Steven Miles said.
The latest figures show there have been 2442 confirmed cases this year - that's nearly 120 more cases than this time last year.
"Children under five are more vulnerable , they get very sick from the flu," Dr Nicole White from Kedron Wavell Medical Centre said.
Horrific moment Cirque du Soleil aerialist plunges to his death during show
Plane passenger hits out at woman's unhygienic act
Couple learns on Facebook that their new home was destroyed by bushfire
Many GPs are already bracing for flu season.
"The best time to get the vaccine is probably in mid to late April, just to make sure you're still protected through the peak part of the season," Dr White said.
Queensland was struck with more than 55,000 cases last year, which was triple the five-year average.
More than 500 young children ended up in hospital because of the flu last year.
This year, the Queensland Government will provide free vaccines for kids under the age of five.
The government-funded vaccines are expected to be available next month.
