With the leaves changing colours and the air getting cooler, Australians are also seeing signs of a challenging flu season ahead.

Health officials in New South Wales are sounding the alarm, urging residents to take action and get vaccinated as influenza cases are on the rise, with predictions of a particularly severe season looming.

The latest respiratory surveillance report revealed that over 4,700 individuals were diagnosed with the flu in the past month alone—a 16 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Hospital admissions for influenza-like illnesses have surged, with 480 admissions recorded between January 6 and April 2024, nearly doubling the 284 admissions during the same timeframe in 2023.

NSW health officials urged residents to get vaccinated against influenza. Image source: Unsplash

Experts predicted that the upcoming flu season could rival or even surpass the severity of the previous year.

It's estimated that one in three Australians could fall prey to a cold or influenza, a statistic that underscores the importance of preventative measures.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant highlighted the alarming trend of more young children facing life-threatening complications from the flu, with an increase in admissions to intensive care units in 2023.

To avert a similar crisis in 2024, Dr Chant is calling on families to prioritise getting their flu shots before the season hits its peak.

‘It is a very quick and easy process to book in with your local doctor or pharmacist who can also administer your Covid-19 vaccine at the same time if recommended,’ he said.

'This simple act can help you and your family stay healthy this winter,' he added.

The call to action is especially urgent for those at higher risk of severe illness, including children aged six months to five years, individuals aged 65 and over, Aboriginal people from six months of age, pregnant women, and those with serious health conditions.

These groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine, available at local GP clinics or pharmacies.

Tip

For more information on the flu vaccine, visit the Department of Health website or call the National Immunisation Hotline at 1800 022 222.

In a concerted effort to bolster community health, NSW Health is also encouraging residents to consider receiving a COVID-19 booster alongside their flu vaccination.

NSW Premier Chris Minns warned that influenza is not only highly contagious but can be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable populations.

‘Getting the flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and the wider community,’ he said.

Health Minister Ryan Park observed an uptick in virus activity across the country and is advocating for vaccination as a means of self-protection and community responsibility.

The impact of influenza was felt by at least 300,000 Australians in 2023, as the illness spread more freely in the post-COVID-19 pandemic environment.

The nation's cold and flu capitals have been identified, with Newcastle, Liverpool, and Blacktown in NSW topping the list.

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Other areas across Australia, including Southport in Queensland, Hillarys in Western Australia, and Warrnambool in Victoria, are also forecasted to experience high levels of cold and flu symptoms.

Source: 7NEWS Australia/YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• NSW residents are being urged to get vaccinated as cases of influenza spike, with over 4,700 people diagnosed in the past four weeks.
• Health authorities are particularly concerned about vulnerable groups like young children, older adults, and those with serious health conditions.
• NSW Health is encouraging residents to get a flu vaccine before the season peaks and to consider a Covid booster at the same time.
• NSW experienced an increase in influenza hospital admissions, and the upcoming flu season could be as bad as or worse than the previous year. Health officials are urging vaccination as the best protection.

Feel free to share your insights and strategies for staying healthy during flu season in the comments section below. Have you received your flu shot? What steps are you taking to prepare for the colder months?

 

[The winner is]

I've already had my Flu and booster Covid shot an feel I need to take as many precautions as possible. I'm wearing my mask while in busy places and will continue to do so. I can only go on my Doctors advice and he tells me that all his shots are up to date.

 

[gordon1940]

"If people have the Flu they should stay home and NOT spread it around."

But this is the island of Australia where we don't even bother about the Covid-19 that came into the country via that cruise ship that was allowed to dock in Sydney. It is our democratic right not to stay at home if sick and not to get vaccinated against smallpox.....no, Covid......no, Influenza.......

WHAT!!!! Appears to be a selfish and inconsiderate statement to me.

 

[gordon1940]

My husband and I didn't get the Covid jabs, never got the flu shots and were treated despicably by society. We never got covid, never got the flu, haven't even had a cold in the last 5 years and didn't even muzzle up. Now that it has been proven that the shots destroyed immune systems and were unsafe and ineffective, we are vindicated. All friends and family have been jabbed, all got covid, some have died suddenly ?? and many now have serious illnesses that eventuated after the jab rollout. My heart breaks every day because my adult son was mandated to get this toxic poison. I will never forgive or forget.

"Proven" ? I would appreciate your source of reference, please.

 

[Rob44]

My husband and I didn't get the Covid jabs, never got the flu shots and were treated despicably by society. We never got covid, never got the flu, haven't even had a cold in the last 5 years and didn't even muzzle up. Now that it has been proven that the shots destroyed immune systems and were unsafe and ineffective, we are vindicated. All friends and family have been jabbed, all got covid, some have died suddenly ?? and many now have serious illnesses that eventuated after the jab rollout. My heart breaks every day because my adult son was mandated to get this toxic poison. I will never forgive or forget.

...that it has been proven that the shots destroyed immune systems....

Which biomedical research journal/medical journal has that been published in? I would be interested in reading the article.

Clearly, you have an excellent natural immune system. We all vary in that respect.

 

[Rob44]

In Victoria we have for many years been suffering from a particularly virulent virus, called the Labour Party? (GIVE ALBO - THE ELBOW)

Tasmania suffers from a particularly nasty virus called the Liberal Party, which afflicts Tasmania's Public Health system dangerously whilst infecting the taxpayer with a bill for $750 000 000 to build the AFL a new footie stadium on Hobart's waterfront, a most peculiar form of socialism.

 

[Robbo3006]

i have flu shots since they became available havnt had flu had only head cold i recomend them and had no after efects only sceptics have problems believers dont

Keep swallowing the placebos, big pharma doesn't keep making money if it cures you.

 

[Rob44]

Agree with you, lots of flu because people’s immune systems have been tampered with!

There were no flu vaccines in 1917-1922 and precious few other vaccines available. In those year a pig 'flu, which had jumped to a cook in a US Army camp, proceeded to wander around the world killing about 20-50 million people. Then some people developed a natural immunity to it and the virus attenuated so it was not quite so deadly. Then there was the Hong Kong 'flu of the 1950s, which was a little less deadly but for a serious number still deadly. There had been no "tampering with immune systems" at that time.

I am glad however that someone had organised tampering with my immune system so that I didn't catch poliomyelitis as had some of my class-mates in the 1950s, or TB, or cholera when working in country when there was a country-wide cholera outbreak, or Japanese encephalitis which killed a friend, or hepatitis-B and C; and for that matter smallpox.

 

[Robbo3006]

I have had the flu vaccine every year for over 20yrs .This is a requirement of working in aged care.
I have never had any reaction, nor have I had the flu. Please don't try to scare people vaccines save lives and heartache. All my children and family are vaccinated all the staff who work in aged care facilities and many others. Also, I have had 6 covid injections, no side effects.

Yet?

 

[Greg350]

Agree with you, lots of flu because people’s immune systems have been tampered with!

BS, we've had bad and good flu seasons forever, people have short memories, stop this Covid vaccine BS

 

[Greg350]

I’m still in shock to how much “they’re” pushing the COVID jab even though it’s been proven to NOT be safe and effective not to mention those that have died from this jab or been injured for life. As for the Flu shoot I’ve not had that for 3 yrs now and I’ve not gotten any cold or flu…I keep my immune system strong which is the bodies best defence…I’m 74yrs old and in the supposed risk age range..
The people who are getting bad flu’s are those who’ve HAD the COVID jab as it destroys your immune system….PLEASE do your research it’s all out there..

More BS, "proven to not be safe", BS.

Your research is flawed, where do you get your information from?

Try people on the ground, people who see what's happening, two very good friends of mine are GP's, one with 50 years experience and two medical clinics with 20 odd doctors, very successful and are not seeing all these so called deaths from the vaccine or injuries. He deals with the local hospitals a lot too, no massive death numbers, it's all crap put out by antivaxes, often using the government site listing deaths/injuries that "Maybe" attributed to the vaccine. The same list that is collated from ANYONE who reports, they are not followed up to see if they are valid, to see if they are true. It's a self reporting system that is of little use. Just like when you go to hospital, they were asking if you had the vaccine, if so you went on the list even if it was a broken leg from a car crash.
You people are looking for anything remotely looking like the vaccine caused it. Many nutters are blaming every death they hear about as the vaccine as if no one has ever died in the past unexpectedly.

 

[siameezer]

As a scientist who can read.............no, I'll be polite. Wrong; vaccines work and viruses exist, even outside the human body .

Thank you for calling out these ridiculous conspiracy theorists.

 

[siameezer]

Doesn't it strike anyone that the excess death rate has increased world wide for all sorts of ailments apart from Covid19. Or that the flu is increasing in almost all ages? Our young and healthy pastor's wife with 5 kids got myocardia and other symptoms after her vaccine shot and has been sick on and off since.

I've got vaccinated and a month later got Covid.

We should have not meddled with our mRNA with the little knowledge we have about its long-term effects. But that is how pharmacy always worked. Even if it is a risk, let's make the money as long as we can until we can't because our dubious dealings are exposed.

What a false and ridiculous assertion.

 

[siameezer]

I’m still in shock to how much “they’re” pushing the COVID jab even though it’s been proven to NOT be safe and effective not to mention those that have died from this jab or been injured for life. As for the Flu shoot I’ve not had that for 3 yrs now and I’ve not gotten any cold or flu…I keep my immune system strong which is the bodies best defence…I’m 74yrs old and in the supposed risk age range..
The people who are getting bad flu’s are those who’ve HAD the COVID jab as it destroys your immune system….PLEASE do your research it’s all out there..

Unmitigated lies and ridiculous conspiracy theories

 

[siameezer]

More BS, "proven to not be safe", BS.

Your research is flawed, where do you get your information from?

Try people on the ground, people who see what's happening, two very good friends of mine are GP's, one with 50 years experience and two medical clinics with 20 odd doctors, very successful and are not seeing all these so called deaths from the vaccine or injuries. He deals with the local hospitals a lot too, no massive death numbers, it's all crap put out by antivaxes, often using the government site listing deaths/injuries that "Maybe" attributed to the vaccine. The same list that is collated from ANYONE who reports, they are not followed up to see if they are valid, to see if they are true. It's a self reporting system that is of little use. Just like when you go to hospital, they were asking if you had the vaccine, if so you went on the list even if it was a broken leg from a car crash.
You people are looking for anything remotely looking like the vaccine caused it. Many nutters are blaming every death they hear about as the vaccine as if no one has ever died in the past unexpectedly.

Thank you ... these nutters are everywhere! I am sure their expert probably goes by the name of "Dr Google Von YouTube". They have no science background and believe whatever conspiracy theory is fed to them.

 

[Clancieblue]

I have 3 children all got the whooping cough vaccine at required age ,2 never had whooping cough but 1 did . I thank God she had the vaccine as I don't know what would have happened if she hadn't. She was very ill for many months. Why are we not hearing of so many deaths in aged care as happened at the begining of Covid? Is it because they have all been vaccinated and unvaccinated can't visit.?
How have polio ,diphtheria, and measles been eradicated?

 

[Clancieblue]

Yet?

So, Robbo,if I get an illness now, will I blame the Covid injection, or would I have gotten sick anyway.

 

[Greg350]

Doesn't it strike anyone that the excess death rate has increased world wide for all sorts of ailments apart from Covid19. Or that the flu is increasing in almost all ages? Our young and healthy pastor's wife with 5 kids got myocardia and other symptoms after her vaccine shot and has been sick on and off since.

I've got vaccinated and a month later got Covid.

We should have not meddled with our mRNA with the little knowledge we have about its long-term effects. But that is how pharmacy always worked. Even if it is a risk, let's make the money as long as we can until we can't because our dubious dealings are exposed.

The excess death rate is actually not all that bad if you went back through history, it's been higher decades ago and it's been lower, it goes up and down through the decades always.

Also there is a common sense explanation for the excess deaths currently. What happened during the pandemic, people were told to stay home ideally, some people had to stay home, remember lockdowns? So many people did not go to see doctors, many had Telehealth phone calls and many did not get tests done that may have happened earlier. Now they are seeing their doctors again, tests are getting done and they are finding problems with people, many of which are too late to help as treatment won't work or work as well. Funny how the greatest increase in the excess deaths is CANCER, and even the dumbest person knows that if cancer is caught early you have a far better chance then if it's later, when the treatment won't work as the cancer is too far gone.

A perfectly good explanation, but nutters won't have that, doesn't fit with their "Covid Vaccine Kills"
agenda.

 

[MaccaMan]

I concur with many above. How in the hell is Dr Chant still banging on about the Covid-19 vaccine when it has been proven ineffective!
I had a dear girlfriend 'died suddenly' 3 weeks after her booster. She openly admitted her health went downhill following the first jab. Like all the other sheep, she continued to follow the Chief Medical Officer's advice and subsequently received all 3 jabs. Her parents are convinced her death was directly related to the jab/s.
I now know many friends who know someone who has 'died suddenly', has contracted myo or pericarditis, have all of a sudden developed auto-immune, or whose cancer has myseriously returned. Join the dots...
During the height of COVID, one could easily access the DAEN (Database of Adverse Event Notifications), Australia. It is a lot more complex these days to drill down to the required information however, it is worth the time and effort. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND VIEW THE DATA! One will never use the term 'conspiracy theorist' again...
I need new conspiracy theories because all of my old ones came true

 

[PattiB]

I’ve had the flu this year already. I was only vaccinated in August for my flu shot. I hadn’t been sick for years, (since getting the inaugural Astro Zenica COVID injections!) yet this flu hung on over a month and I’m 47! I am diabetic but otherwise healthy, (I know I’m not a senior yet, however I prefer interacting with older people, you have your heads on straight!) I relate better to you all I fear for my parents and their friends if this flu gets hold of them. Well into their 70’s and obviously not without health issues.

Please, please lovely people don’t take any chances with this flu and keep yourselves and loved ones healthy

I found your comment about relating to older people interesting. I love chatting to younger people & hearing about their worries & stuff that challenges them. I was talking to a few year 7 boys the other day who were telling me they weren’t impressed with high school & some of the subjects they have to study. They were surprised when I replied that I also felt the same way 60 yrs ago when I was 12. I’m always interested in the opinions of younger people. I love my friends but find a lot of elderly people are stuck in the past & don’t want to embrace our changing world.

 

[Greg350]

I concur with many above. How in the hell is Dr Chant still banging on about the Covid-19 vaccine when it has been proven ineffective!
I had a dear girlfriend 'died suddenly' 3 weeks after her booster. She openly admitted her health went downhill following the first jab. Like all the other sheep, she continued to follow the Chief Medical Officer's advice and subsequently received all 3 jabs. Her parents are convinced her death was directly related to the jab/s.
I now know many friends who know someone who has 'died suddenly', has contracted myo or pericarditis, have all of a sudden developed auto-immune, or whose cancer has myseriously returned. Join the dots...
During the height of COVID, one could easily access the DAEN (Database of Adverse Event Notifications), Australia. It is a lot more complex these days to drill down to the required information however, it is worth the time and effort. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND VIEW THE DATA! One will never use the term 'conspiracy theorist' again...
I need new conspiracy theories because all of my old ones came true

The data base you talk of is useless, self reporting, anyone can report, no follow up, no checking if the event is true. There's people on there with broken legs due to the vaccine, absolute BS. All it means if on the list is you have been vaccinated AND you have had a health issue, it does not mean the vaccine caused the issue.

People have always died suddenly, it's not something new. My friend decades ago , when he was 22, died from a second heart attach in two weeks. Very fit person, never smoked, didn't drink or do drugs, was an avid cyclist, had a heart attack, out into hospital, two weeks later another heart attack and died. If that happened today it would be blamed on the vaccine no doubt.

AS I said elsewhere on here I have a couple of GP friends, good friends, one one with 50 years experience and two medical clinics with 20 odd doctors, very successful and are not seeing all these so called deaths from the vaccine or injuries. He deals with the local hospitals a lot too, no massive death numbers, it's all crap put out by antivaxes, often using the government site listing deaths/injuries that "Maybe" attributed to the vaccine.

Yes it's sad your friend died, but her parents saying they are convinced her death was directly related to the jabs is not very scientific is it.

I know a lot of people, they know other people, no one knows of any deaths, funny how some people know of heaps, while others know of none. Hence I go with doctors who see a lot of people, hear what's happening, know the true story as they are on the front line and they have not heard or seen all these deaths. Even funeral homes are not experiencing increased death numbers. Look at the death notices, people are dying and funerals are happening a few days later. If there were all these deaths there would be more delays