Aussie GP’s flu warning as season starts early

Currently stuck in a family merry-go-round of snot at home? You're not alone. 

For a family, there’s nothing more frustrating than heading into flu season.

One person picks it up, and before you know it everyone is sick. But thankfully, it tends not to last too long, right?

Well, this year it seems flu season has come early, with GPs warning parents to get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid the worst of it.

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Flu season is here! Image: iStock.

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Flu season isn’t coming - it’s already here

Aussies have been warned that the 2025 flu season has well and truly arrived, with a significant increase in cases leading up to winter when compared to previous years.

For Kidspot's resident GP, Dr Sam Hay, this is a red flag - even though May itself has been a bit of an outlier.

“The flu season in 2025 has threatened to be a bigger one compared to the last few years,” he told Kidspot.

“By the end of May there have been over 85000 cases Australia-wide, a significant increase from the last years.

“However, in a strange turn of events, May has actually seen a decrease in cases!”

So far this year, there have also been 72,750 reported cases of COVID-19, and 58,197 of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) according to the Department of Health’s National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.

But, the most concerning part is just who is getting sick, with kids hit the hardest this time around.

“We are also seeing significant cases in Aussie kids which is different to past decades where adults and the elderly would be hit hardest,” he said.

Children under the age of 4 make up just under one third of all diagnoses across these three illnesses, with those aged under 19 making up 38% of all diagnoses.

For the flu specifically, these numbers change to 11% and 38% respectively, with the largest proportion of flu diagnoses instead being in the 5-9 age range.

“Bottom line is that Influenza is out there, it causes significant issues for people with illness and time off work, and it can be deadly,” Dr Sam Hay said.

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What do we do?

Don’t feel like you’ve been left behind when it comes to getting on top of the flu.

Prevention can definitely be better than cure, with Dr Sam Hay providing a few recommendations you can start doing now, including keeping your family active to boost the immune system, and taking vitamin C daily.

If possible, you should also be getting the jab - for everyone.

“Vaccinations work so get the whole family vaccinated,” he said.

What if it’s too late… *cough*

If you and the family are already home sick, head to your GP and see if antibiotics will be applicable. However, it’s not a one size fits all.

Thankfully, according to Dr Sam Hay, there are a few things you can do to (hopefully) get it out of your system sooner.

Rest (and he means proper rest!) can be incredibly important in helping your body fight the infection. Avoid heading out to the playground or after-school training, and prioritise a few days off from work or school if possible.

Be sure to replace your fluids! Drink plenty of water if you can eat. If you can’t, fluids with salts and sugars are best to help fluid absorption and strengthen the immune system.

If needed, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to make yourself more comfortable, and, most importantly, keep your distance from other sickies - cover your mouth and nose, and wash those hands!

Originally published as Aussie GP’s flu warning as season starts early