Australian flu deaths surge as expert warns of highly-contagious Super-K flu strain first detected in US

More than 60 influenza-related deaths have been recorded in just one month as Australia braces for another severe flu season, which experts say could be supercharged by the Super-K variant.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded 63 influenza associated deaths in January, which followed an unseasonably high flu mortality rate recorded late last year.

There were 95 deaths involving influenza throughout November and 119 in December, bringing the total for last year up to 1,701, exceeding mortality rate highs recorded almost a decade ago in 2017 of 1,656.

Mater Health director of infectious diseases Professor Paul Griffin said he believes the surge in mortality rates is explained by the highly contagious Super-K influenza strain, which began circulating Australia in September.

“This is largely due to the Super-K variant, which is easily transmitted, and also due to low vaccination rates,” Professor Griffin said.

Super-K was first detected in the US in June last year.

Professor Griffin urged everyone to get their flu shots before there are any more unnecessary influenza related deaths.

“Flu is a major public health threat, and everyone should have the annual vaccine,” he said.

“Especially those who are most vulnerable and need the added protection it brings.

“This year, we need to do better and get as many people vaccinated as possible, before more lives are lost unnecessarily.”

The ABS data shows the number of influenza related deaths has been exceeding COVID-19 mortality rates since August.

Influenza related deaths have increased year-on-year since 2023.