Australia flu outbreak: 29,000 cases as deadly strain spreads
Australians are being urged to “stay safe” over the holiday period as flu cases surge this December.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) says more than 29,000 lab-confirmed reports of influenza have already been recorded this month as of December 21 – four times the 6952 flu cases reported in December 2024.
Increasing flu cases can be linked to a new flu strain, subclade K, according to the RACGP.
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Aussies are now being prompted to get the flu vaccination, particularly for young children living in Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Western Australia as the states introduce free needle-free flu vaccination for little ones.
“It’ll be easier than ever to get a vaccination during your consult,” RACGP president Michael Wright said in an announcement.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports 1508 deaths associated with influenza in the year to November, a significant increase on 2023 and 2024, and there were more deaths associated with influenza than Covid-19 in every month since August.
“The holiday season can be a challenging time for mental health. No one should have to spend the holiday season alone,” Dr Wright said.
But he said “everyone deserves” to be safe and well over the holidays, “remembering that the flu and other respiratory infections can be deadly or put a loved one in hospital is part of how we can care for others this holiday season”.
Dr Wright says patients including seniors, children under five, women who are pregnant or people who live with some chronic conditions are at higher risk of a severe infection.
“You don’t want a joyful celebration leading to spreading infection, hospitalisation or even worse,” he said.
Dr Wright urges those planning to host parties and celebrations to consider how friends and family members who are unwell can still take part in holiday celebrations while maintaining safety.
He says if a family member or an individual is unwell or isolating, they can stay home or in another part of the house and join the celebrations by video or phone call.
“We don’t want to break another flu record next year,” Dr Wright said.
Originally published as Australia flu outbreak: 29,000 cases as deadly strain spreads
