CASES of the flu in Warwick have come early this year, Condamine Medical Centre joint director Dr Ross Hetherington says.

An outbreak of the flu has already struck down many residents in the Rose City and Dr Hetherington said viruses at this time of the year were uncommon.

"We have already seen cases of the flu this year," Dr Hetherington said.

"It is an unusually early time of the year to see these cases.

"The one which we've seen a lot of is 'swine flu' or influenza A."

Dr Hetherington said it was a "wait and see" case as to whether the flu season this year would be worse than average.

"While it's unusual to have those cases, it's far too early to tell if this year will be worse than usual," he said.

"It could simply be a case of the season starting earlier and finishing earlier.

"Or it could be a longer flu season than usual.

"It really could go a number of ways and there's no telling which way it will go at this stage."

Friendly Society Pharmacy professional services manager Jacqueline Henricks said there could be serious consequences for those who didn't get their flu shot.

"Infections and all sorts of other things can happen if people don't get vaccinated," she said.

"It's very important - there could be severe repercussions for those unvaccinated."

The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service will launch the Tackle Flu Before It Tackles You campaign today, aiming to vaccinate 500 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people ahead of the flu season and running a clinic in Warwick next week.

Dr Penny Hutchinson said the flu was a highly contagious and potentially serious disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

"Indigenous people over the age of 15 are deemed 'at risk' of contracting the flu, along with all people over the age of 65 years, pregnant women and those with a chronic illness.

"Many people believe they are too healthy to get the flu, but anyone can get it and make their friends and family sick.

"That's why it's important for all people to get vaccinated."

Dr Hutchinson said early indicators predicated a particularly severe flu season in 2014.

Tackle flu

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Tackle Flu Before It Tackles You campaign:

•  Visiting Warwick State High School next Wednesday, April 2, 4pm to 6pm;
•  Free influenza vaccination clinics for indigenous people aged over 15 years