At the tail end of a record-breaking flu year, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has reminded patients and families to stay safe over the holiday period.
Health reporting shows influenza cases have continued to climb in the summer, while flu deaths have been higher than those associated with COVID-19 for the past four months.
More than 29,000 lab-confirmed reports of influenza have already been recorded this month as of 21 December – four times the 6952 flu cases reported in December 2024.
There have been at least 491,000 influenza cases in 2025 so far, a 34.5% increase on 2024, itself an all-time high. Meanwhile, influenza vaccination rates have stalled.
With flu cases continuing to increase, RACGP President Dr Michael Wright urged patients to take care over the holidays.
“We started this year with more lab-confirmed flu cases than in any January on record,” he said.
“That didn’t come out of nowhere. The number of flu cases doubled from December 2024 to January 2025. Unfortunately, gathering to celebrate Christmas, the new year, and sports and other activities can play a part in increasing case numbers
“The holiday season can be a challenging time for mental health. No one should have to spend the holiday season alone.
“But 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.”
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.
Dr Wright urged those planning to host parties and celebrations to consider how friends and family members who are unwell can take part in holiday celebrations while maintaining safety.
“Patients including seniors, children under five, who are pregnant, or 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.
“If someone is unwell or isolating, think about ways they can be a part of celebrations. A family member who stays home or in another part of the house can join by video or phone call.
“We don’t want to break another flu record next year.
“The best way to reduce the risk of a severe infection is to get a flu vaccination, and with Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia to introduce free needle-free flu vaccinations for young children next year, it’ll be easier than ever to get a vaccination during your consult.”
~ENDS
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