Health experts are urging Australians to prepare for a tough winter as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV continue to spread rapidly. The best defense, they say, is timely vaccination—ideally completed by the end of May.

“We’re already seeing an early wave of highly infectious respiratory illnesses,” said Professor Paul Griffin. “When one person in a household gets sick, the virus can spread to everyone within days.”

Griffin emphasized the importance of early detection and vaccination, especially for protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

As of May 22, Australia has recorded over 80,000 confirmed flu cases—a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness, primarily caused by type A or B viruses, and has multiple subtypes.

COVID-19 cases are also expected to rise in the coming weeks due to the spread of a new Omicron subvariant, LP.8.1. This version has already driven 60% of recent COVID cases in the UK and contributed to widespread outbreaks overseas.

While LP.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains, it spreads more easily, raising concerns about higher infection rates.

Health authorities are urging all eligible Australians to get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations.

Experts warn that without adequate protection, the combination of these viruses could lead to overwhelmed healthcare services during the winter months.