Increasing Respiratory Infections in Victoria

Published on 25 August 2026

Key Messages

• Respiratory infections such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are increasing in Victoria.  This year, this is occurring later than previous seasons.
• Vaccines are available to protect against common respiratory infections.
• Seasonal influenza vaccination is still widely available and with cases now increasing, is it not too late to get vaccinated.
• Some people, including young children, older adults and those with a weakened immune system, are at increased risk of severe disease.
• Early antiviral treatments can help to reduce severe disease from flu and COVID-19 for some high-risk individuals.
• Simple hygiene and preventative measures like covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand washing and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.

What is the Issue?

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

Recommendations:

• 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 RSC.  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, visit the Better Health Channel hub - website.
• Other things you can do to keep yourself and others healthy include the following:
  1. Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly.
  2. Cover coughs and sneezes.
  3. Consider seeking medical care from a telehealth appointment with your doctor, nurse-on-call or Virtual Emergency Department.
  4. Wear a face mask is you are sick and visiting a health or care service or in a public setting.
  5. 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.