As the winter chill sets in across Australia, so does the annual uptick in coughs, sniffles, and more serious respiratory illnesses.
But this year, health experts are sounding a fresh alarm: a new Covid-19 variant is making the rounds, and the flu season is shaping up to be particularly harsh.
For Australians, the message is clear—now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get protected.
A new COVID variant is rising: What does it mean for you?
You may have heard whispers about a new COVID-19 variant, LP.8.1, quietly gaining ground in Australia.
According to recent reports, this descendant of the Omicron variant was responsible for nearly one in five COVID cases in New South Wales earlier this month.
While the World Health Organisation has assessed the global risk as low, local experts are urging caution.
Associate Professor Stuart Turville, a molecular virology expert at the University of NSW, reassures us that this isn’t a dramatic leap like the shift from Delta to Omicron.
‘This is really more of the same, with just some nice slight tweaks on what the virus is doing,’ he explains.
The new variant is a bit more adept at dodging our immune defences, especially in those who haven’t had a recent booster. But the good news? The changes are incremental, not drastic.
‘The other thing that it does – and this is what we’re trying to get a greater understanding of—is that it changed its mode of how it sticks to cells and enters cells.’
Why boosters and flu shots matter more than ever
If you’re like many Australians, it may have been a year or more since your last COVID-19 booster.
And while it’s tempting to think the worst is behind us, experts warn that immunity can wane over time, especially for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Professor Turville likens the COVID booster to the annual flu shot: ‘We all go and get a flu shot, right? And we generally do that annually. So it’s probably something that I’ll do in the next few weeks coming into winter.’
He’s not alone—many health professionals are encouraging Australians, especially those over 50, to get their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine as soon as possible.
A tough winter ahead: More than just Covid
It’s not just COVID that’s cause for concern. Doctors are predicting a particularly severe flu season, and cases of other infectious diseases, like measles and Legionnaires’ disease, have already been detected in several states.
In fact, measles cases in Victoria and NSW are expected to surpass last year’s numbers, and Western Australia has already exceeded its 2024 total by early April.
The flu, in particular, can be serious or even fatal for older Australians. Thousands were hospitalised during the 2024 flu season, and experts warn that this year could be just as bad, if not worse.
Protecting yourself and your loved ones
For many of us, the motivation to get vaccinated isn’t just about personal protection—it’s about safeguarding our families and communities.
‘I’ve got elderly parents and to protect them and to make sure I can look after them in the future, I’ll go and get a booster and kind of mitigate it that way,’ says Professor Turville.
It’s also about being considerate. If you do fall ill, staying home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent spreading illness to others, especially vulnerable people in aged care or with chronic health conditions.
Don’t let ‘pandemic fatigue’ put you at risk
After years of pandemic headlines, it’s easy to feel a bit numb to the warnings. But experts caution against letting ‘pandemic scarring’ or vaccine fatigue stop you from taking action.
The reality is that respiratory infections—whether COVID, flu, or something else—can hit older Australians much harder than the general population.
‘All of these respiratory infections that might be mild for the general population, once you start getting into aged care facilities and people for the elderly that you’re caring for at home, it does hit them a lot harder than it does hit us,’ Professor Turville reminds us.
What you can do now
Check your vaccination status: If it’s been more than six months since your last COVID-19 booster, talk to your GP or pharmacist about getting up to date.
Book your flu shot: The flu vaccine is free for Australians over 65 and for many others with chronic health conditions.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re unwell.
Look out for each other: Encourage friends and family to get vaccinated, and check in on vulnerable neighbours.
Have you had your COVID-19 booster or flu shot this year? Are you concerned about the new variant or the upcoming flu season? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story could help others make an informed choice this winter.
Stay safe, stay warm, and let’s look after each other this winter.
Also read: Flu cases are surging—act now with this simple habit to stay healthy
