Health experts are sounding the alarm as Australia faces a worrying surge in respiratory illnesses, with over 75,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases already recorded between January and mid-May, a jump of more than 50% from the same period last year.

Alarmingly, flu season appears to be peaking far earlier than usual, with Australia now experiencing the highest number of influenza infections ever recorded outside the traditional winter months, even during periods of warmer weather.

Infectious Disease Physician, Professor Paul Griffin, stresses that the current speed and scope of this year’s flu season should serve as a wake-up call.

He says infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions face the highest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, dehydration, or hospitalisation adding recognising symptoms like high fever, fatigue, wheezing, or difficulty breathing early ensures families can take swift action—whether that means starting antivirals, isolating, or seeking urgent medical care.