Australia’s peak GP body has warned the country’s health system is set to face “tremendous strain” amid a surge in flu cases.
More than 49,000 flu cases have been confirmed since January.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) said the early start to this year’s flu season is an “ominous sign” of how the virus could spread this winter.
Adding to concerns, the RACGP flagged the spike in cases coincides with a drop in flu vaccination rates.
Cases
In the first three months of 2025, flu cases were 45% higher than the same period last year, according to analysis of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
So far, NSW has recorded the highest number of cases, with more than 19,000. Victoria and Queensland each reported more than 10,000 cases.
However, the RACGP flagged that these figures are “likely only scratching the surface of the true number”.
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Vaccinations
Over the past three years, flu vaccination rates have declined, according to the RACGP.
Children under five, who face a higher risk of severe illness, have seen a 6% drop in vaccination rates compared to last year.
Declining vaccination rates among other vulnerable groups, including the elderly and First Nations communities, are also a growing concern.
Data collection for this year’s flu vaccination uptake has not begun.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the decline in flu vaccination rates among children is “particularly troubling”.
Dr Wright urged Australians to take the flu seriously.
“The flu is a serious illness, and this year is looking especially dire... it’s easy to see how a ‘perfect storm’ of infection could push our health system to near breaking point,” Dr Wright said.
