You're not imagining it – this is one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent history

Grab the tisssues 

Research says one of the worst cold and flu seasons is upon us. Here are the Aussie suburbs set to take the worst hit, and what experts recommend you do ahead of the sniffly months to protect yourself. 

Brace yourself for a season of snotty, sniffly noses and achy throats. According to the latest Codral Cold & Flu Forecast, Aussies are set to experience one of the worst seasons in recent years – potentially topping last year’s unusually high rates. 

So what can we expect ahead of this year’s colder months? Monitoring patterns across the nation, the Cold & Flu forecast predicts the most common symptoms set to take over will be nasal congestion, coughs, pain, and fever. 

“The forecast has been designed to help Aussies understand when and where cold and flu may spike, so they can get on the front foot,” says a Codral spokesperson. 

The worst cold and flu hubs

Wondering if your suburb is going to take a particularly bad hit? Here are the cold and flu hotspots set to sneeze their way through the season.

#1. Newcastle, NSW

#2. Liverpool, NSW

#3. Southport, QLD

#4. Blacktown, NSW

#5. Hornsby, NSW

#6. Hurstville, NSW

#7. Hillarys, WA

#8. Tamworth, NSW

#9. Orange, NSW

#10. Fremantle, WA

As enriching as travelling can be, jetting off during peak periods can leave you feeling run down and prone to catching a virus. Image: iStock

Why are so many flu season hotspots located in NSW?

One of the major things researchers consider with each location is its prevalence as a tourism hotspot. The top ten places identified by the forecast are all areas with a high population density that see plenty of movement. 

“The increased flow of people to and from these areas, particularly during holiday periods, increase the chances of cold and flu transmission which is why they have been noted as cold and flu zones,” says the spokesperson. 

Not only is New South Wales home to over eight million people, it’s filled with countless holiday destinations for Aussies and global visitors. 

With the Easter long weekend and April school holidays kicking off this cold and flu season, experts are expecting the flurry of travel and socialising to seriously increase people’s chances of catching and spreading a cold or flu. 

“Those living and travelling in New South Wales can expect to experience a steep increase in cold and flu cases from 27 April to 1 June, with a 59 per cent increase in households expected to be impacted during this period,” says the Codral spokesperson. 

It's never too early to start prepping your body for flu season. Image: Pexels

How can people protect themselves?

If avoiding these fast-spreading germs and illnesses looks to be impossible, don’t panic. There are a few key practices experts recommend putting in place now to help boost your body’s immunity as we embark on this year’s flu season. 

“Codral is urging Aussies to stay vigilant and prepare their medicine cabinets early, practice good hygiene, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and ensure plenty of rest and hydration during the holiday period,” says the report’s spokesperson. 

Originally published as You're not imagining it – this is one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent history