Doctors issue warning ahead of ‘deadly’ flu season

Australians have been urged to make sure they get their flu shot this year, with the flu season set to be especially deadly.

Three times as many people have been diagnosed so far this year than usual.

Among them are the Timms family - Michelle, her husband and their three-year-old son.

"We've had high fevers, we've had sore throats, we've had body aches, we've had the chills," Ms Timms told A Current Affair.

"It's been the worst infection that we've ever had, it's been awful."

But the flu can have far deadlier consequences.

Kerry-Anne Baxter's then-four-year-old daughter, Rosie, nearly died from the virus.

She had not been vaccinated.

"Her life literally hung in the balance for 10 days, we were told several times that they didn't think she was going to survive," Ms Baxter said.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton said children and people aged 65 and over were most at risk of getting the flue.

He said this year was expected to be especially deadly.

"We've tragically had a number of deaths already this year, but there's still a season ahead of us," Dr Sutton said.

"So I expect cases to pick up, but it does mean now is the right time to get the vaccine for sure."

He said the vaccine could save lives.

The government provides free vaccines for people older than 65, younger than five, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant people, and people with other health issues that could affect them if they contracted the flu.

Dr Brad McKay recommended people get their shot earlier rather than later.

And he busted some common misconceptions about the vaccine.

1. Everybody should get it. Physicians recommend the vaccination to anybody aged six months and older.

2. If you got the flu shot last year, you still need to get it again this year. It is recommended to get a vaccination every year, as different strains of the flu could be present.

3. You can't get the flu from the vaccine.