Surge in Influenza Cases: Australia’s 2025 Flu Season Hits Early and Hard

Australia is experiencing an unseasonably early and severe flu season, raising serious public health concerns. As of May 2025, influenza infections and hospitalisations have surged beyond the usual winter peaks, prompting health officials to urge immediate action.



The Numbers Tell the Story

According to the Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report April-May 2025, there has been a 50% increase in influenza cases compared to last year. Emergency departments nationwide are under pressure as the flu hits earlier than expected.

In a recent ABC News report, confirmed the early peak and warned that hospitals are seeing a rapid rise in flu-related admissions.



Why Is This Year So Severe?

Several factors are contributing to the intensity of the 2025 flu season:

• Low Community Immunity: After two years of mild flu seasons due to COVID-19 restrictions, many Australians have reduced natural and vaccine-induced protection.
  
• Colder, Wetter Autumn: Cooler conditions have led to increased indoor activity, accelerating the spread of the virus.
  
• Dominant Strain – Influenza A (H3N2): Known for causing more severe illness and higher hospitalisation rates, especially in vulnerable groups.



Why the Elderly Are Most at Risk

Older Australians face significantly higher risks from influenza. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), flu and pneumonia are leading causes of death among Australians aged 75 and over.

In a typical year, between 1,500 and 3,000 Australians die from flu or flu-related complications, most over age 65. During intense seasons like 2017 and 2019, deaths in aged care and independent-living seniors rose sharply.

“For the elderly, the flu isn’t just a bad cold — it can be fatal.”
— Dr. Linda Selvey, University of Queensland, via ABC News



Risk Factors for Seniors

• Age-related decline in immune response
  
• Pre-existing chronic conditions like COPD, heart disease, and type 1 and 2 diabetes
  
• Living in shared environments (e.g. aged care)
  
• Missed or delayed vaccinations

Vaccination: Your Best Protection

The Australian Government strongly recommends annual flu vaccination for all people over 6 months old. Under the National Immunisation Program, free vaccines are available for:

• Adults aged 65 and over
  
• Children aged 6 months to under 5
  
• Pregnant women
  
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  
• People with specific chronic conditions
  
  

“Vaccination remains our most effective protection,” said Dr. Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer.



Everyday Prevention Tips

To reduce your risk of infection:

• Wash hands regularly
  
• Stay home when unwell
  
• Avoid crowded indoor spaces
  
• Wear a mask in high-risk settings
  
• Use HEPA air purifiers to reduce indoor airborne transmission



INS LifeGuardian® App Protection for At-Risk Australians

For seniors, immune-compromised individuals, those living alone, or anyone managing chronic health conditions, INS LifeGuardian® offers smart, reliable protection. Our technology ensures that help is always within reach during a crisis.



Available via Smartphone

• 24/7 emergency response and nurse support — connect instantly for urgent care, medical advice, or even just a reassuring chat when you’re feeling unwell or alone
  
  
• GPS location tracking in emergencies
  
  
• Customisable safety check-ins to confirm well-being
  
  
• Welfare checks: Scheduled calls from our nursing team to ensure you’re safe, well, and supported — even if you haven’t reached out



Smartwatch Features

• Fall and crash detection that automatically alerts our response centre
  
  
• Health monitoring of heart rate, respiratory changes, and movement

• Proactive call-outs from our nurse team if abnormal patterns are detected
  
  

These features offer passive protection, giving users and their families confidence that assistance will arrive even if they can’t call for help themselves.

Take Action Now

The 2025 flu season is impacting Australians of all ages. While seniors and those with chronic conditions are most at risk, everyone benefits from early prevention and accessible care.

Now is the time to:

• Get vaccinated
  
• Follow good hygiene practices
  
• Use technology like INS LifeGuardian® for round-the-clock care
  
• Check in regularly with those who may be more vulnerable
  
  

Whether you’re a parent, professional, carer, or simply proactive about your health, INS LifeGuardian® ensures support is always close.

To learn more or activate your trial, visit our website here or call 1800 636 040 to speak to a friendly staff member.