The number of people who have died from influenza in Queensland may have reached 25, while in South Australia 17 people have died of flu.
To date, there have been more than 12,300 notifications of the flu in SA — about 9 times the cases this time last year.
But it's not just the Festival and Sunshine States that are feeling the brunt of an early start to flu season.
So far in 2019 there have been nearly 43,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu across the country — compared with nearly 59,000 cases for the whole of 2018 — and it's only May.
What can you do about flu?
If you're unlucky enough to catch the flu, it's vital to help protect the rest of the community — particularly those who are more vulnerable to flu-related illness, such as older people, pregnant women and young babies. There are also people with medical conditions that preclude them from getting the flu vaccine.
Besides getting a flu shot yourself and washing your hands religiously, there are a few things you can do to stop the spread of this deadly disease.
Stay at home
If you're experiencing flu symptoms, avoid contact with other people but do seek medical help if you're concerned. If you're not sure whether you should go to the doctor or hospital, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria), or use the healthdirect Symptom Checker.
Don't take public transport
Unless you absolutely have to, it's best to stay off buses, trains and ferries while you have the flu. The virus can survive in droplets in the air for several hours and on hard surfaces for about 24 hours, which can infect other passengers.
Consider a humidifier
While humidity is not the only factor in flu outbreaks, dry, low-humidity air promotes the spread of the flu. Yale University researchers suggest increasing the water vapour in the air at home, school or work with a device called a humidifier.
Swap hankies for tissues
It's good to use reusable products where possible — except when you have the flu (or a cold). Handkerchiefs can store the virus, so opt for disposable tissues. Throw tissues straight in a bin after use.
Isolate your toothbrush
Keep your toothbrush away from family members or housemates so it can't contaminate theirs. After you're well, replace the toothbrush with a new one. Of course, avoid sharing utensils, phones and bedding.
Ask about antiviral medications
If you're likely to suffer complications from the flu, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication. It won't cure the flu, but if taken within 48 hours antiviral medication may reduce the length of time you're sick, relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Don't forget, you're infectious
Although cold and flu medications may relieve the symptoms, remember that you are still capable of infecting others with the flu. You may be infectious for up to 24 hours before you start to feel unwell, and up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
More tips and tricks to fight flu
Check out this handy infographic for everyday ways to combat the spread of influenza.
View text version of infographic
10 tips to fight the flu
Flu symptoms can be very similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19.
Get the flu shot
It is important to get the influenza vaccination each year to continue to be protected, since it wears off after 3 to 4 months. Flu strains also change over time.
Keep surfaces clean
Clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles regularly to get rid of germs.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Preferably with your elbow rather than your hand.
Bin your tissues
Throw disposable tissues in the bin immediately after using them.
Self-care at home
In most cases you can treat mild flu symptoms at home. Stay home if you are sick, to avoid passing the flu onto others. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Wash your hands
Good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent flu from spreading. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid sharing
Try not to share cups, plates, cutlery and towels with other people, as this could spread germs.
Don’t rely on antibiotics
Antibiotics won’t cure the flu as this illness is caused by viruses. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Check if your flu medication will help relieve symptoms on healthdirect’s medicine directory.
Know the symptoms of a cold versus flu
Try not to share cups, plates, cutlery and towels with other people, as this could spread germs.
Check your symptoms first
Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker via the app or website, or call 1800 022 222, to determine if your symptoms require a visit to the emergency department, a visit to your GP or can be managed at home.
Want more like this?
For health and wellbeing news you can use, go to the healthdirect blog.
