Australians are being warned to prepare for a triple virus surge this winter, as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are already spreading rapidly across the country. Health experts urge everyone to get vaccinated before the end of May to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Professor Paul Griffin highlighted that the current wave involves highly infectious viruses, which can quickly spread within households. Early detection and management are key to protecting vulnerable individuals.
Patrick Reading, director of the WHO’s Melbourne Collaborating Centre for Influenza Research, noted a significant rise in lab-confirmed flu cases since the start of the year, with an increasing trend observed in most regions.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a 65.7% increase in influenza-related deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year, with January and February recording more flu deaths than in most previous years. This early flu activity resembles patterns seen in the Northern Hemisphere, including the UK, Japan, and China.
The seasonal flu is mainly caused by Influenza A and B viruses, with varying subtypes each year making it difficult to predict. This year’s flu vaccines have been updated to better target the H3N2 subtype, which tends to mutate rapidly.
Professor Reading also warned that other viruses, such as COVID-19, RSV, norovirus, and avian influenza strains like H5N1, are being closely monitored. While H5N1 has caused concern internationally, including human cases in Australia and the US, there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce hospitalizations and severe outcomes. However, flu vaccination rates in Australia remain low, with nearly one-third of adults not having received a flu shot in the past two years, according to the 2025 National Vaccination Insights Project.
Professor Julie Leask from the University of Sydney emphasized that while the flu vaccine is not perfect, it significantly lowers the risk of severe illness compared to having no vaccine at all.
Dr. Griffin stressed the severity of influenza, noting that it causes thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalizations in Australia each year.
The National Immunisation Program offers free flu vaccines to high-risk groups, including young children, pregnant women, seniors, Indigenous Australians, and people with certain medical conditions.
Health authorities continue to encourage vaccination and vigilance to mitigate the impact of this expected triple virus surge this winter.
