Health fund Bupa has warned of an extremely dangerous combination emerging for the 2026 influenza season.
Bupa Chief Medical Officer Dr Nic Woods said this morning that influenza deaths in Australia doubled in January compared with January 2025.
He said last year Australia recorded the highest number of influenza deaths since the Spanish flu pandemic more than a century ago.
The “Super K” strain this year was driving unusually high flu activity well before winter started.
“High flu activity combined with low vaccination rates will make this flu season extremely dangerous and potentially deadly for high-risk groups, including the elderly and children,” Dr Woods said.
“We cannot afford to be complacent or ignore the warning signs. Super K is spreading earlier and faster than flu strains seen in previous seasons.”
Bupa said in a statement released this morning that only one in three Australians were vaccinated against influenza last year, compared with one in two before COVID‑19.
“Health professionals are particularly concerned that only one in four children aged under five received a flu jab last year, despite free vaccination being available to young kids due to their increased risk of sickness and death from influenza,” the statement said.
Bupa has announced 40,000 free flu shots for its health insurance customers and eligible health services customers and patients.
Dr Woods urged Australians to book a flu shot as early as possible, with many GPs already receiving vaccines.
“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.
“Super K dominated the northern hemisphere winter, with data showing it posed a greater risk to certain groups, particularly children.
“About 90 percent of childhood influenza deaths in the most recent northern hemisphere season occurred in unvaccinated children.”
Infants aged six months to five years, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face the highest risk from influenza.
Bupa said Australians could reduce their risk of flu by washing their hands regularly, staying home when unwell and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
