Health experts have warned there is a heightened risk of contracting illness this Easter long weekend and have issued advice on how to avoid the predicted 50 per cent increase in sickness. 

Two in five Aussie households will potentially be affected by respiratory illness after mixing with family over the four-day long weekend, according to the 2025 Codral Cold and Flu Forecast, produced in partnership with health consulting firm IQVIA.

The projection suggests Australia could see a 50 per cent increase in those affected by cold and flu after the Easter long weekend, potentially impacting up to 6.1 million Australians.

Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen told FEMAIL that it is already shaping up to be a difficult year for illnesses as we head towards the cooler months.

‘We have seen particularly nasty flu seasons in other parts of the world this year, particularly in the United States, making the potential for a horror flu season here in Australia much more likely,’ Dr McMullen told FEMAIL.

‘Cases of flu pop up all year long, but our peak season is usually from June to September, and the best time to get your flu vaccine is from April onwards.’

Australians have already been forewarned that the upcoming flu season could be one of the worst on record after the US and UK were hit with soaring influenza cases during the northern hemisphere winter.

A new report suggests Australia could see a 50% increase in those affected by cold and flu after the Easter long weekend, potentially impacting up to 6.1 million Australians

A new report suggests Australia could see a 50% increase in those affected by cold and flu after the Easter long weekend, potentially impacting up to 6.1 million Australians

Already in Australia there have been 46,325 confirmed flu cases as of the end of last month, which makes it the highest number ever recorded during the first quarter.

It also comes on the back of a bad cold and flu season in Australia in 2024.

Last year, there were over 365,000 reported influenza cases with over 4,200 people admitted to hospital, making it Australia’s worst flu season since 2019.

Between January and August 2024, there were also 810 deaths related to flu, compared to 416 flu-related deaths in the same period the previous year.

Although colds and the flu are often grouped together and have similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses.

‘A cold is a viral infection that usually affects your nose and throat’ and symptoms are usually ‘mild’, according to Health Direct.

Colds are very common, especially in winter, with symptoms including ‘sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, headache, cough and tiredness’.

On the other hand, influenza or ‘the flu’ is a ‘very contagious viral infection’ and a ‘respiratory illness that can affect your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs.

'Immunisation is truly the best form of defence against influenza and people should get their flu shot each year,' said Dr McMullen

‘Immunisation is truly the best form of defence against influenza and people should get their flu shot each year,’ said Dr McMullen 

As a result, ‘influenza infections are more serious than the common cold’.

Preventing the spread of both cold and flu is important to not only keep yourself healthy, but to also protect vulnerable members of the community, such as children and the elderly.

Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen has warned Aussies to brace for a nasty flu this year

Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen has warned Aussies to brace for a nasty flu this year

‘Immunisation is truly the best form of defence against influenza and people should get their flu shot each year, as the formulation is updated annually to match circulating strains, and the protection from a flu vaccine only lasts a season,’ Dr McMullen explained.

‘People need to start booking appointments now with their GPs, who are trained to ensure that people, including vulnerable cohorts, such as the elderly and children, receive their vaccinations in a safe and timely manner.’

Practicing good hygiene is also an important way of helping to prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses. 

Washing hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and throwing used tissues in the bin immediately after use all help with prevention.

The government health resource also recommends regularly cleaning common surface areas like kitchen benches, keyboards, phones and door handles and suggests avoiding sharing of cups, plates and cutlery.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk