Winter Brings a Wave of Respiratory Illnesses Across Australia

Reviewed by Dr. Shamini Rathinam

Written by MediLeave’s Editorial Team

As temperatures drop, respiratory viruses are on the rise. If you’ve recently battled a sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, or even fever—you’re far from alone. Hospitals and aged care facilities nationwide are feeling the strain.

Hospitals Under Pressure ¹

Last week, several Queensland hospitals paused non-urgent surgeries due to rising cases of influenza and COVID-19. At the same time, COVID outbreaks have been reported in over 200 aged care centres across Australia.²

What’s Circulating This Season?

COVID-19

June surge: Nearly 32,350 COVID cases were reported—approaching last year’s June figure of 45,634.³
Undercounting likely: Testing rates have dropped compared to early pandemic years.
Current variant: NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”), a descendant of JN.1, has driven the latest winter wave.⁴
Symptoms: Classic cold-like signs plus particular painful sore throats as well as nausea, and diarrhoea.⁵
Risk groups: Older adults and those with chronic conditions face severe illness risks.⁶
Vaccination: Boosters target JN.1 and are effective against Nimbus and related strains like “Stratus” (XFG).^7,8
Who should boost: Annual boosters are widely available; those 75+ are encouraged to get one every six months.⁹
Antivirals: Offered to people 70+ and at-risk younger Australians who test positive.^10,11

Table: Source COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Influenza (Flu)

Severity: The 2025 flu season has hit hard, with January–May cases up 30% over last year, the highest first quarter influenza case numbers since the end of the COVID pandemic.¹²

Table: Source Dashboard · NINDSS Portal

Symptoms¹³: High fever, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and congestion.

Who’s most vulnerable¹⁴: Elderly, young children, and pregnant people.

Vaccination access¹⁵:

Free for children aged 6 months to 4 years, people 65+, pregnant women, and high-risk groups.
Free in Queensland and WA for everyone aged 6 months+; other regions may charge up to A$30.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)¹⁶

Reporting: Only tracked since 2021, making long-term comparisons tricky.
Case count: June 2025 saw 27,243 cases—on par with June 2024. The peak may have just passed.¹⁷
Symptoms¹⁸: Similar to a cold, but can escalate to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Who’s at risk¹⁸: Infants, elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
Treatment & prevention¹⁹:
- Free vaccine now available for pregnant women to protect newborns up to six months.
- Monoclonal antibody injection offered for at-risk children under two.
- Older adults can access 2 vaccines brands recommended for:
  - Everyone aged 75+
  - At-risk individuals 60+
  - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 60+
- Note: These adult vaccines cost ~$300 and aren’t subsidised (yet). Protection lasts at least 3 years.²⁰

The Common Cold^21,22,23

Causes: The common cold can be caused by over 200 virus types—mostly rhinoviruses, but also coronaviruses and others.
Symptoms: Sneezing, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, mild fever.
Frequency: Children average 6–8 colds per year; adults get 2–4.
Treatment: Rest, hydration, and OTC remedies. A universal vaccine is still elusive due to viral diversity.

How to Stay Safe²⁴

Even minor viruses can cause major disruptions. To protect yourself and others:

Maintain good hygiene practices.
Cover your coughs and teach kids to do the same.
Wear a high-quality mask if you’re at increased risk.
Rest at home when unwell.

Rapid “panel tests” that detect influenza A/B, COVID, and RSV are now available for home use—handy if you’re feeling off this winter.

By taking simple precautions, we can help reduce pressure on healthcare systems and safeguard vulnerable communities.

It’s easy to get an assessment from a Partner Doctor with MediLeave, if suitable, can provide you a medical certificate for a day from work when you have a cold and flu symptoms. Our online medical certificates start from only $15.95

If you need to consult with a Partner Practitioner who can potentially provide an online medical certificate, the process is convenient and hassle-free with MediLeave right from the comfort of your home.

📱 Visit our website: www.medileave.com.au

📝 Complete a brief form with details about your health issue

Consult with a Partner Doctor, who will review the medical information you provide and assess your needs

📥 If deemed appropriate, the Partner Doctor will issue a medical certificate directly to your inbox.

Please note that the independent Partner Doctor will review your health notes and make an informed decision on whether to issue a medical certificate. The Practitioner does not work for us; MediLeave is designed to facilitate a convenient, ongoing connection with them.

The content provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical consultation. If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns related to vaginal discharge or reproductive health, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The views or recommendations expressed in this article and any linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of MediLeave or its affiliates.

References:

1. ‘Get vaccinated’: Hospitals under pressure as elective surgeries remain on hold – ABC News

2. Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls – ABC News

3. Dashboard · NINDSS Portal

4. Australian-respiratory-surveillance-report-30-june-to-13-july-2025.pdf

5. Nimbus COVID: Definition, symptoms, and more

6. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC

7. Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?

8. XFG could become the next dominant COVID variant. Here’s what to know about ‘Stratus’

9. Atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-covid-19-vaccines-in-2025.pdf

10. People at higher risk of a severe illness and COVID-19 treatments – COVID-19

11. COVID-19 antiviral medicine | Better Health Channel