Flu cases surge in Victoria as unusually late season takes off
Victoria is experiencing a significant 400 per cent surge in influenza cases during an unusually late season. Health officials are urging residents to remain cautious as the virus continues to spread despite warmer weather.
Why it matters
The unexpected late-season spike places additional strain on emergency healthcare services and impacts workplace productivity.
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Share A A A A 400 per cent spike in influenza cases across Victoria is expected to continue rising over the school holidays, placing pressure on emergency departments and fuelling an increase in workplace absences.
Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay said this year’s influenza season had arrived unusually late, and was set to peak well past the traditional mid-winter surges observed in 2024 and 2025.
Victoria’s flu season has not yet reached its peak. Paul Jeffers “We’re seeing a rise in our notifications for respiratory illnesses, and that’s driven by influenza. We’re seeing that later this year than what we’ve seen in previous years,” she said.
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