Winter Respiratory Illnesses: COVID, Flu, and RSV Trends and Protection

As winter descends upon Australia, health authorities are grappling with a notable surge in respiratory illnesses, primarily COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This year’s flu season has emerged as particularly severe, prompting health officials to take unprecedented measures to manage the influx of cases. Non-urgent surgeries have been paused in various Queensland hospitals due to increased hospitalizations attributed to these respiratory infections. Additionally, over 200 aged care facilities across Australia are currently facing outbreaks of COVID-19, raising alarms among public health officials.

According to the latest data from the Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, COVID-19 case notifications have seen a significant uptick, with June 2025 reporting 32,348 cases, a stark contrast to 45,634 cases reported in June 2024. However, experts caution that these figures may not reflect the true extent of the pandemic, as testing rates have significantly declined. Dr. Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of South Australia, emphasizes, “Testing is not as prevalent as it once was, leading to an underestimation of actual case numbers.” The NB.1.8.1 subvariant, informally referred to as “Nimbus,” is primarily responsible for the current wave, producing symptoms ranging from severe sore throats to gastrointestinal issues.

COVID-19 remains a serious health threat, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. Since June, 138 aged care residents have succumbed to the virus, highlighting the ongoing risks. Vaccination efforts continue, with free boosters available to most individuals annually and those aged 75 and older advised to receive a booster every six months. Dr. Esterman notes that vaccination, combined with early antiviral treatments, significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and long COVID.

Influenza has also exerted considerable pressure on the healthcare system this winter. Early reports indicate that flu cases from January to May 2025 exceeded those of the previous year by 30%. While recent trends suggest a decline, experts believe the peak has yet to be reached. The flu typically presents more severe symptoms than a common cold, including high fever, chills, and muscle aches. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and pregnant women, are at a heightened risk of severe outcomes. Free vaccinations are provided to specific demographics, including children aged 6 months to 4 years and pregnant women, while others may incur a cost of around A$30 for flu shots.

RSV, now a notifiable disease since 2021, has become another critical concern this winter. Despite a dip in cases earlier this year, June 2025 recorded 27,243 RSV cases, nearly matching the totals from June 2024. Symptoms of RSV are typically mild, resembling those of a cold, yet it can lead to severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults. Access to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies has improved, with a new RSV vaccine available for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody for at-risk children under two. Nevertheless, the RSV vaccines currently lack subsidies, costing around $300 per dose.

While COVID-19, influenza, and RSV dominate health discussions, it is essential to remember the ever-present common cold. Caused by numerous viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses, the common cold often leads to mild symptoms that resolve within a week without medical intervention.

To mitigate the spread of respiratory infections, public health officials recommend continuing the hygiene practices established during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes regular handwashing, maintaining respiratory etiquette, and wearing high-quality masks for those at risk. Rapid antigen tests for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are now available, providing individuals with a tool to ascertain their health status at home.

In conclusion, as winter progresses, the confluence of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV presents substantial challenges for public health in Australia. Continued vigilance, vaccination, and adherence to hygiene practices are critical strategies to safeguard public health during this demanding season. The implications of this respiratory illness surge may linger, necessitating a proactive approach to health management in the coming months.