Flu cases on the rise: simple steps to stay healthy this holiday season

Health experts are advising that influenza (flu) activity is increasing across Australia just as we head into the festive season.

According to the Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report – 3 to 30 November 2025, ‘current case numbers remain considerably higher than observed at the same time period in previous seasons, likely driven by [the] influenza A (H3N2) [subvariant]’.

In response, the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) released a statement urging individuals to take simple steps to protect themselves and loved ones, including:

• getting a flu shot – it’s not too late to vaccinate
• washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes
• staying home if feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness.

The AHPC statement also urges healthcare professionals to be on alert for possible outbreaks in institutional settings such as aged care homes.
 

Planning international travel?

As the H3N2 subvariant of flu continues to spread in Japan, the UK and North America, Australians planning overseas trips in the coming weeks and months are also recommended to get a flu vaccine – especially if travelling to areas where flu is known to be circulating.  

Individuals who received a flu vaccine earlier in the year and are travelling to the northern hemisphere from October to May can receive a second dose of vaccine prior to travel (ideally, two weeks before departure). 
 

Who is most vulnerable to flu?

All people aged 6 months and over are recommended to receive an annual flu vaccine to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation associated with the infection.

However, the flu can be more serious in older adults due to natural weakening of the immune system and the presence of chronic health conditions.

Young children are also susceptible to infection, often catching the flu in settings such as day care or kindergarten. They then risk passing it on to other members of their family, including older relatives such as grandparents, who may be vulnerable to complications.

NCIRS has recently updated its influenza FAQs to include information about the needle-free vaccine that will become available for free for eligible children in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia ahead of the 2026 season.

Read the AHPC Statement