Daylight saving is ending this weekend, which means winter is fast approaching, and that means an increase in the number of flu cases.

Flu season 2025 looks set to be quite significant if the Northern Hemisphere is any indication. Some UK hospitals were overwhelmed by the winter peak, and the US recorded the largest influenza season since the 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic.

In Australia, there have been over 46,300 lab-confirmed influenza cases, more than 50% higher than the previous record of flu cases in Australia during the first quarter (January – March 2024).

In 2024, Australia had more than 365,000 reported influenza cases and over 4,200 people admitted to hospital, making it Australia’s biggest flu season since 2019.5,6 Between January and August 2024, there were 810 deaths related to flu, compared to 416 flu-related deaths in the same period the previous year.

Dr Jules Bayliss, Medical Director for Vaccines and Biosecurity, CSL Seqirus, said that annual flu vaccination is an important public health intervention.

“Flu is unpredictable, but the data shows that the virus is already circulating and notifications are increasing. We don’t know when cases will peak, which is why we've worked hard to ensure our vaccines are available to help protect people.   

“This year, we manufactured an extra 100,000 flu vaccines to ensure there were enough doses for every person who wants to be vaccinated. It’s always a source of pride to know that flu vaccines, including those manufactured in Melbourne, are helping protect people from serious complications of flu, as well as helping reduce the burden on clinics and hospitals.”

Peter Guthrey, Senior Pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, says the availability of flu vaccines is welcome news, especially with the late-season peak in cases recently seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Lots of people in the US and UK have been sick with flu, and this has continued late into their flu season. Influenza can spread around the world rapidly through international travel, so Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here.

“Flu vaccination is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and older, and it’s the most important measure to prevent flu and its complications.10 Flu cases are already on the rise, so it’s important that people talk to their pharmacist or doctor early about influenza vaccination.”

You should talk to your GP, pharmacist or community nurse to learn more about flu and your flu vaccine options.