As the mercury drops and we start reaching for our scarves and slippers, there’s another reason to brace ourselves this winter.
Australia is facing a triple threat from three major viruses—COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Health experts are sounding the alarm, urging all Australians, especially those over 50, to prepare for what could be one of the most challenging cold and flu seasons in recent memory.
A surge arrives early: What’s happening?
Traditionally, we expect the flu to rear its ugly head in the depths of winter. But this year, the virus has jumped the gun.
According to Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician, we’re already seeing an ‘early wave of significantly infectious virus diseases.’
The numbers back him up: lab-confirmed cases of influenza have soared since the start of the year, with a 65.7 per cent jump in flu-related deaths compared to last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
And it’s not just the flu. COVID-19 continues to circulate, and RSV—a virus that can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in older adults and young children—is also on the rise. Norovirus and even avian influenza (H5N1) are being closely watched by health authorities.
Why is this year different?
This early and aggressive start to the flu season mirrors what’s been seen in the Northern Hemisphere, including countries like Japan, the UK, and China.
Professor Patrick Reading, director of the World Health Organisation’s Melbourne-based Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, notes that ‘through January, February, March, and April, we’ve actually been tracking at increased numbers’.
In other words, the viruses aren’t waiting for winter—they’re already here.
One reason for this could be the increased mingling of people as COVID-19 restrictions have eased, combined with lower-than-ideal vaccination rates.
The mix of influenza A and B viruses changes every year, making it tricky to predict which strains will dominate. This year’s flu vaccine has been updated to better target the H3N2 subtype, which is notorious for mutating rapidly.
The numbers: Why you should care
Let’s put things in perspective. In January alone, there were 16 influenza-related deaths, and nearly ten times that number from COVID-19.
Hospitalisations from the flu can reach around 20,000 each year, and thousands of Australians lose their lives to these viruses annually.
For some Australians, or with underlying health conditions, the risks are even higher.
What about avian flu?
You may have heard about avian influenza (H5N1) making headlines overseas, especially with outbreaks in U.S. dairy herds.
While Australia recorded its first human case in a traveller returning from India, there’s currently no evidence of person-to-person spread here.
Professor Reading reassures us that, while the virus is being closely monitored, ‘no evidence of person-to-person spread’ has been found, which is crucial for preventing a wider outbreak.
Vaccination: Your best defence
Despite the clear risks, Australia’s flu vaccination rates remain worryingly low. Professor Julie Leask from the University of Sydney’s Infectious Diseases Institute describes the rates as ‘dire and they’re not improving.’
According to the 2025 National Vaccination Insights Project, nearly one-third of Australians haven’t had a flu shot in the past two years.
The flu vaccine isn’t perfect, but as Professor Leask puts it, ‘it’s much better than zero, which is what you’re looking at if you don’t have a vaccine.’
Vaccination remains the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death.
Expert urges the public to prepare for a potential triple-virus winter. Image source: Photo by Steven Cornfield on Unsplash
Who can get a free flu shot?
The National Immunisation Program provides free flu shots to:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Young children (aged 6 months to under 5 years)
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People with certain medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic respiratory illnesses)
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, check with your GP or local pharmacy.
Other ways to protect yourself
Vaccination is your first line of defence, but there are other steps you can take to stay healthy this winter:
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Stay home if you’re unwell: Don’t be a hero—rest up and avoid spreading germs.
- Wear a mask in crowded places: Especially if you’re at higher risk or during peak virus season.
- Keep up to date with COVID-19 boosters: If you’re eligible, make sure you’re protected.
- Look out for each other: If someone in your household is sick, try to minimise close contact and clean shared surfaces.
The bottom line
This winter, the triple threat of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV means we all need to be extra vigilant. For those of us in the over-50s club, the stakes are even higher. The good news? We have the tools to protect ourselves—starting with vaccination and a few simple precautions.
Have you had your flu shot yet? Are you taking any extra steps to stay healthy this winter? Share your thoughts, tips, and experiences in the comments below—let’s help each other stay safe and well this season!
Also read: Spike in flu cases sparks urgent call for more jabs before winter
