As the season begins to shift toward winter, health experts have warned of a fast-spreading influenza variant known as ‘Super K’.
The Super-K flu first appeared in Australia in September 2025, with cases gradually increasing as international travel resumed and immunity levels declined, following the several years of lower exposure to the seasonal flu.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2025, there were more than 500,000 cases of the flu.
This year there has already been more than 24,000 cases, even before the peak of the flu season in winter.
In total, up to 1,744 deaths have been recorded nationwide in 2026 and there were more deaths associated with influenza last year than any other year this century.
Annual Australian Influenza Immunisation Statistics (2018 – 2026) by UOWTV
Current findings show that the Super K flu does not cause more symptoms than a regular flu for most people, as symptoms are generally the same as those seen throughout the typical flu season.
The main difference that makes Super K distinct is how quickly it can spread from person to person, because of this, the infection can transfer rapidly through schools, childcare centres, workplaces and households over a short period of time.
Bupa Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nic Wood, said in a statement, that Australians should get vaccinated as soon as possible, ahead of what is expected to be a challenging winter.
“Getting the flu vaccine can save lives, especially in a high-risk season like this. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways Australians can protect themselves, their loved ones and their community,” he said.
“Last year, Australia recorded the highest number of influenza deaths since the Spanish flu pandemic more than a century ago.”
Experts believe that one of the biggest concerns surrounding the Super K flu strain is the lower vaccination uptake recorded across Australia in recent years.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians became less consistent with annual flu vaccinations, leaving more people vulnerable.
University of Wollongong, retired academic graduate from the School of Medicine, Kathryn Weston said the decline in flu vaccinations had created a greater concern among health experts ahead of winter, particularly as rapidly spreading flu strains continue to move throughout the community.
“Certainly before winter, public health would recommend that people get the flu vaccine and just make sure that if they’re feeling sick, you stay away from people, and if you’re really sick, you should go to the doctors and get tested,” she said.
Doctors are also encouraging people to take simple precautions to reduce the spread of the virus, including staying home when you’re unwell, washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing symptoms.
