Health authorities sound warning for 'early, severe' flu season with cases up almost 30 per cent

Health experts are warning Australians to get their flu shots as early as possible this year, ahead of what is looking like will be a severe and unusually early influenza season.

There have already been 24,019 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu across Australia so far this year, according to official Department of Health figures.

That's up 29 per cent compared to the same time last year.

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These figures are considered a significant underestimate, as many cases go unreported.

Immunisation Coalition chief executive Dr Andrew Minton said the latest figureswewre "concerning".

"Population immunity is still recovering from the pandemic but influenza infection remains high and a serious disease," he said.

"Children and high-risk populations, particularly the elderly, are most at risk."

With the start of cooler weather sending people indoors, Australia is likely to see flu cases spike in the coming weeks.

Traditionally, influenza spreads most rapidly in Australia during winter and early spring, with July and August typically seeing the highest number of cases.

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But since 2022 the flu season has started earlier, spreading rapidly from April onwards and peaking earlier, in June.

Influenza cases also remained extremely high throughout summer - often more than tripling pre-pandemic levels - thanks largely to holidaymakers bringing influenza home from the northern hemisphere.

Very young children, the elderly and pregnant women are among those at the highest risk of ending up in hospital or dying from influenza.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with underlying health conditions are also at increased risk.

The flu vaccine is available for free to all of these groups.

Influenza vaccines can now be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID-19 shots, with a previous recommendation for a two-week gap removed.

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