A late-season surge in flu cases across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region has alarmed health officials as the holiday season approaches. In the week ending December 13, 179 influenza cases were reported, marking a dramatic increase from the previous week. Health professionals are cautioning residents to avoid spreading the illness during family gatherings.
The spike in cases is reminiscent of the increase observed in early June, raising concerns among local general practitioners and the New South Wales Health Minister. Although the current figures have not reached the peak levels seen in July and August, the unexpected rise has prompted urgent warnings from health authorities.
Pressure on the Healthcare System
Health Minister Ryan Park highlighted the strain on the hospital system due to the prolonged flu season, primarily driven by the influenza A virus. “This time of year is usually when our hospitals and our staff get respite from the burden of respiratory illness, but this is not the case,” Mr. Park stated. “Instead, we are seeing sustained pressure on our EDs and on the staff who work there and across the wards.”
He expressed concern that the flu’s resurgence coincides with a time when people are gathering to celebrate, potentially leading to further transmission. “The last gift we want to be giving each other is a dose of influenza,” he added.
A Mutant Strain on the Rise
Professor Nathan Bartlett from the Hunter Medical Research Institute pointed to a “mutant version” of the H3N2 strain, known as “subclade K,” as a significant factor in the increased transmission. “It seems to be a bit less susceptible to our immunity, so you get more transmission,” Professor Bartlett explained. The K variant, first detected in Australia in August, has since been identified as a leading cause of respiratory-related deaths in the country, according to the Doherty Institute.
Record-High Flu Cases and Safety Measures
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged families to remain vigilant over the holidays, noting that flu-related deaths have surpassed those from COVID-19 over the past four months. With at least 491,000 influenza cases recorded nationally in 2025, this represents a 34.5% increase from 2024, which was already a record-breaking year.
RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright emphasized the importance of taking precautions during the festive season. “We started this year with more lab-confirmed flu cases than in any January on record,” he noted. “Unfortunately, gathering to celebrate Christmas, the new year, and sports and other activities can play a part in increasing case numbers.”
“Remembering that the flu and other respiratory infections can be deadly or put a loved one in hospital is part of how we can care for others this holiday season,” Dr. Wright said.
He advised those hosting parties to consider how to include unwell individuals safely in celebrations, stressing the need to avoid breaking another flu record next year. With New South Wales set to introduce free needle-free flu vaccinations for young children in the coming year, Dr. Wright believes it will be easier than ever to get immunized.
Looking Ahead
As the Illawarra region grapples with this unexpected flu surge, health officials are urging the public to remain cautious and prioritize vaccinations. The introduction of needle-free options for children could play a crucial role in mitigating future outbreaks. Meanwhile, the community is encouraged to adopt safety measures during gatherings to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce the strain on healthcare services.
The situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public health preparedness as Australia navigates the complexities of seasonal illnesses in a post-pandemic world.
