'Perfect storm': South Australia smashed by one of the worst-ever flu seasons

South Australia is in the midst of one of the state's worst flu seasons, with cases soaring and the healthcare system under strain. 

The total number of influenza cases this year has reached 10,569 – a 70 per cent increase compared to the same time in 2024. 

"The curve is going up, up, up like this and there's no sign that it's plateauing or going to be going down at this stage so there's a lot of flu out there," Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said.

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It's led to more than 1042 hospital presentations, including 148 children under the age of five.

The outbreak is also affecting healthcare workers, with significant numbers falling ill. 

"It's very difficult when you're trying to run a hospital when you have your staff sick," Spurrier said.

The situation has been described as a "perfect storm" for a healthcare system already facing challenges. 

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Despite government investment in the sector, concerns have been raised about the system's capacity to cope with the increased demand. 

"Things are going backwards and it's South Australian patients who are paying the price on this," opposition spokesperson Ashton Hurn said.

Health Minister Chris Picton responded that the government "will continue to throw everything at this", with vaccination a key tool in its belt.

The government has extended its free influenza vaccine program, allowing children under five to receive their jabs at pharmacies. 

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.