Could this be Australia's worst flu season yet? Health experts warn of what's to come
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Seasonal illnesses can be unpredictable, but when early warning signs emerge, health experts take notice.
Recent global trends suggest that Australia could be facing a particularly challenging flu season, with alarming patterns already taking shape.
Here’s what the latest data reveals—and why health professionals are urging caution.
Health authorities warned that Australia could be on the brink of its worst flu season yet, following a severe outbreak in the US and UK.
By 31 March, there had been 46,325 confirmed influenza cases across the country—the highest number ever recorded in the first quarter of a year.
Peter Guthrey, senior pharmacist at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, cautioned that Australians should prepare for a significant flu season.
‘Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here,’ he said.
Influenza had spread rapidly across the Northern Hemisphere, with the World Health Organisation reporting persistently high case numbers well into February.
Hospitals in the UK declared critical incidents due to overwhelming flu cases, while multiple schools in the US were forced to close over winter.
Guthrey pointed out that international travel played a key role in the virus’ spread.
‘Influenza can spread around the world rapidly through international travel.’
‘Lots of people in the US and UK have been sick with flu and this has continued late into their flu season.’
New South Wales recorded the highest number of cases so far this year, with 18,100 infections—more than double those in Queensland (9,872) and Victoria (9,737).
Western Australia reported 4,173 cases, while South Australia recorded 2,488.
The Northern Territory had 813 cases, followed by the ACT with 577 and Tasmania with 565.
Health experts noted that many flu cases went unreported due to delays in testing and data collection, meaning the true numbers could be much higher.
Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory virus, was primarily caused by influenza A or B strains, though multiple subtypes circulated each year.
Unlike COVID-19, flu symptoms typically ranged from mild to severe, with most people recovering within days, though vulnerable groups faced higher risks of complications.
Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, expressed concern over low vaccination uptake.
‘Every year, we see people, particularly young people and pregnant women, who end up in hospital when they could have been protected with a simple vaccination,’ he shared.
He emphasised that flu season had not officially begun, yet cases were already surging.
He said: ‘The flu season hasn't officially started, but we are already seeing high levels of flu in the community.’
‘Many people wrongly assume the flu only affects older adults, like COVID-19, but this isn't the case.
‘Flu is a serious illness, but the vaccines are safe and effective.’
A 2024 survey by the Immunisation Coalition found that 46 per cent of Australians either did not consider influenza a serious illness or doubted the effectiveness of vaccines.
It also revealed that 73 per cent believed misinformation played a role in declining vaccination rates, with social media identified as a major source.
In 2024, Australia recorded over 365,000 influenza cases, leading to more than 4,200 hospital admissions—the highest figures since 2019.
Between January and August 2024, flu-related deaths reached 810, nearly doubling the 416 recorded in the same period the previous year.
In a previous story, we discussed the growing concerns over health risks and the measures being taken to combat them.
As the flu season looms, it’s essential to stay informed about efforts to limit the virus’s spread.
You can read more about the strengthened biosecurity measures being put in place to prevent further outbreaks here.
As we brace for what could be a challenging flu season, how prepared do you feel? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Recent global trends suggest that Australia could be facing a particularly challenging flu season, with alarming patterns already taking shape.
Here’s what the latest data reveals—and why health professionals are urging caution.
Health authorities warned that Australia could be on the brink of its worst flu season yet, following a severe outbreak in the US and UK.
By 31 March, there had been 46,325 confirmed influenza cases across the country—the highest number ever recorded in the first quarter of a year.
Peter Guthrey, senior pharmacist at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, cautioned that Australians should prepare for a significant flu season.
‘Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here,’ he said.
Influenza had spread rapidly across the Northern Hemisphere, with the World Health Organisation reporting persistently high case numbers well into February.
Hospitals in the UK declared critical incidents due to overwhelming flu cases, while multiple schools in the US were forced to close over winter.
Guthrey pointed out that international travel played a key role in the virus’ spread.
‘Influenza can spread around the world rapidly through international travel.’
‘Lots of people in the US and UK have been sick with flu and this has continued late into their flu season.’
New South Wales recorded the highest number of cases so far this year, with 18,100 infections—more than double those in Queensland (9,872) and Victoria (9,737).
Western Australia reported 4,173 cases, while South Australia recorded 2,488.
The Northern Territory had 813 cases, followed by the ACT with 577 and Tasmania with 565.
Health experts noted that many flu cases went unreported due to delays in testing and data collection, meaning the true numbers could be much higher.
Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory virus, was primarily caused by influenza A or B strains, though multiple subtypes circulated each year.
Unlike COVID-19, flu symptoms typically ranged from mild to severe, with most people recovering within days, though vulnerable groups faced higher risks of complications.
Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, expressed concern over low vaccination uptake.
‘Every year, we see people, particularly young people and pregnant women, who end up in hospital when they could have been protected with a simple vaccination,’ he shared.
He emphasised that flu season had not officially begun, yet cases were already surging.
He said: ‘The flu season hasn't officially started, but we are already seeing high levels of flu in the community.’
‘Many people wrongly assume the flu only affects older adults, like COVID-19, but this isn't the case.
‘Flu is a serious illness, but the vaccines are safe and effective.’
A 2024 survey by the Immunisation Coalition found that 46 per cent of Australians either did not consider influenza a serious illness or doubted the effectiveness of vaccines.
It also revealed that 73 per cent believed misinformation played a role in declining vaccination rates, with social media identified as a major source.
In 2024, Australia recorded over 365,000 influenza cases, leading to more than 4,200 hospital admissions—the highest figures since 2019.
Between January and August 2024, flu-related deaths reached 810, nearly doubling the 416 recorded in the same period the previous year.
In a previous story, we discussed the growing concerns over health risks and the measures being taken to combat them.
As the flu season looms, it’s essential to stay informed about efforts to limit the virus’s spread.
You can read more about the strengthened biosecurity measures being put in place to prevent further outbreaks here.
As we brace for what could be a challenging flu season, how prepared do you feel? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
