As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, Australians are bracing not just for the change of seasons but for what health experts are predicting to be an unprecedented viral onslaught. The flu, an unwelcome annual visitor, is forecasted to hit the country with a ferocity never before seen, and it’s time for us to sit up and take notice.
The numbers are already painting a grim picture. With 46,325 confirmed flu cases by the end of March, Australia is witnessing the highest figures ever recorded in the first quarter of any year. This staggering statistic is a clarion call for vigilance and preparation, as the flu season hasn’t even reached its peak.
The situation abroad serves as a cautionary tale. The US and UK have grappled with soaring influenza cases, with the virus stubbornly lingering late into their flu seasons. The ease of international travel accelerates the global spread of influenza.
The World Health Organisation reported in February that flu cases remained high in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to critical incidents in UK hospitals and school closures across the US. This international trend is a harbinger of what may be in store for Australia. Peter Guthrey, Senior Pharmacist at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, warned, ‘Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here.’
In our own backyard, New South Wales has borne the brunt of the outbreak, with over a quarter of the cases (18,100) reported there. Queensland and Victoria follow, with nearly 10,000 cases each. But these numbers may just be the tip of the iceberg. Many individuals with flu symptoms do not seek testing, and reporting delays could mean the actual case count is much higher.
Seasonal flu, caused by influenza A or B viruses, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. While it’s different from COVID-19, it can range from mild to severe illness, with most people recovering in a few days. However, certain groups are at greater risk of severe illness, including young children, pregnant women, seniors, and those with underlying health conditions.
Alarmingly, the uptake of vaccinations, our primary defence against the flu, has been low. Professor Paul Griffin, the director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital Brisbane, warns that this could put vulnerable groups at significant risk. He emphasises that the flu is not just an ailment of older adults, as many might have assumed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The flu is a serious illness, but fortunately, vaccines are safe and effective.
Yet, nearly half of Australians either underestimate the severity of the flu or doubt the benefits of vaccination. A 2024 survey by the Immunisation Coalition revealed that 73 per cent of Australians believe misinformation—largely propagated through social media—is impacting vaccination rates.
Last year, Australia recorded over 365,000 reported influenza cases, with more than 4,200 hospital admissions. There were 810 flu-related deaths between January and August, nearly double the number from the previous year. These figures underscore the flu’s potential impact on public health and the healthcare system.
As Australia faces the possibility of its most severe flu season since 2019, it’s more important than ever to address misconceptions and promote vaccination. Taking proactive measures—such as getting vaccinated and practising good hygiene—helps safeguard not just ourselves but also our communities.
Have you had your flu shot yet? What are your thoughts on the predicted severity of this year’s flu season? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, and let’s navigate this challenging time with informed choices and mutual support.
Also read: Warning signs of a potentially severe flu season in Australia
