Brace for a Rough Winter, Health Experts Warn: Triple Threat of COVID, Flu, and RSV Looms
Australian health experts are sounding the alarm as a surge in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV threatens to make this winter one of the toughest in years. Their message is clear: get vaccinated—and do it before the end of May.
“We’re already seeing an early wave of highly infectious respiratory illnesses,” said infectious diseases expert Professor Paul Griffin. “In many cases, when one person gets sick, it spreads rapidly through entire households.”
Griffin stressed the urgency of early vaccination and detection, particularly to protect vulnerable groups like older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
As of May 22, Australia has logged over 80,000 confirmed influenza cases—a 50% increase compared to the same time last year. Influenza, driven by types A and B viruses and their subtypes, is highly contagious and can cause serious illness.
Adding to the concern is the rise of a new COVID-19 Omicron subvariant, LP.8.1, now responsible for 60% of recent cases in the UK and driving outbreaks worldwide. While not more severe than earlier strains, LP.8.1 is spreading faster, fueling fears of higher infection rates.
Public health authorities are urging all eligible Australians to get their flu and COVID-19 boosters without delay to lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalizations.
Without widespread vaccination, experts warn that this triple virus threat could strain hospitals and healthcare systems across the country during the coldest months.
