Increasing respiratory infections in Victoria

What is the issue?

In Victoria, cases of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are increasing while cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain raised after peaking in July. Health service visits for respiratory illnesses have also been increasing.

Many respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV occur more common in winter and early spring months.This year, these common respiratory infections are showing a later-than-usual increase in activity compared to previous seasons.

Who is at risk?

Respiratory infections can affect Victorians of all age groups. Young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system are more at risk of severe illness and hospital admission from respiratory infections.

Symptoms and transmission

Many respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV cause similar illnesses with symptoms and signs of fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches or pains and tiredness.

Respiratory infections can spread easily from person to person through droplets produced through coughing and sneezing or by coming in close contact with someone with the infection.

Vaccination, good hand hygiene and staying home when your sick are some of the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

Recommendations

For the public

• There are simple steps you can do to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections.
• Vaccines are available for many respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. It is never too late to be vaccinated. These can be accessed through GPs, pharmacies, local councils and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations. Some Victorians may be eligible for free vaccines.
• For more information on available vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, see Don't risk the flu. Get vaccinated today on the Better Health Channel website
• Other things you can do to keep yourself and others healthy include the following:
  • Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Consider seeking medical care from a telehealth appointment with your doctor, nurse-on-call or Virtual Emergency Department.
  • Wear a face mask if you are sick and visiting a health or care service or in a public setting.
  • Talk to your doctor if you are more at risk of severe illness from respiratory infections and ask about what you should do if you get sick, such as testing and antiviral treatment.

For clinicians

• Ensure those most at risk of severe illness are up to date with vaccinations for respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV:
  • Offer annual influenza vaccination to everyone aged 6 months and older. Under the National Immunisation Program, children aged 6 months to less than 5 years, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with certain medical conditions are eligible for free seasonal influenza vaccine.
  • Offer Abrysvo® RSV vaccine to eligible pregnant women (from 28 weeks), nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and Arexvy® RSV vaccine in eligible older adults. RSV vaccines are not approved for use in infants and children. For more information, see Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation.
  • Offer COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for recommended people based on age, risk factors and immune status. For more information, see COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations on the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website
• Encourage catch up vaccination for patients who are not up to date with routine immunisations.
• Discuss testing and the early use of anti-viral treatment for flu and COVID-19 for high-risk individuals.
• Stay up to date on trends of acute respiratory infections in Victoria, see Victorian respiratory surveillance report.