Experts warn that early signs point to a big flu season this year, as Australia faces a record-high number of influenza cases.

To date, the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System has reported over 46,300 lab-confirmed influenza cases nationwide, the highest figure recorded for this time of year.

This marks a 50 per cent increase over the previous record of about 30,000 cases from January to March 2024.

In the Shepparton area, Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit clinical director Dr Will Cross confirmed that the region was seeing an uptick in cases this year.

“In the area that we cover, we’ve observed about 200 cases, which is high for this time of year,” he said.

“This period is what you would consider preseason or just the beginning of the flu season ... the highest number of cases are typically in June and July.

“If we were going to have a big season, this is certainly how it would start.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age.

Children under five and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable to influenza and face a higher risk of severe illness.

Other groups at higher risk include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals with certain medical conditions affecting the lungs or heart, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women whose immune systems may be weakened during pregnancy.

Dr Cross highlighted the dual benefits of vaccination: it shields individuals from illness and protects the broader community.

“We encourage people to consider their own health and the potential impact of contracting the illness, as well as the importance of protecting their family and community,” he said.

“A lot of events are coming up in the community — Anzac Day, federal election and many other reasons people are getting out and about over the next month — so now, in April, is the best time to get vaccinated.”

The influenza vaccine can be obtained from your general practitioner or local pharmacy.

Additionally, Greater Shepparton City Council offers regular immunisation services at various locations throughout the region, which can be found on council’s website.

Higher-risk Australians can access free influenza vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program.

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Saturday, 31st May 2025

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