There's been a big jump in confirmed flu cases and this winter's flu season is expected to be "particularly relentless", the director of the national influenza surveillance network says.
Data for the last two weeks of May show 20 per cent of people presenting with flu-like symptoms tested positive for the virus compared to the usual rate of one per cent at this time of year.
"Historically, when the flu season starts early, it will be a particularly bad season," Professor Nigel Stocks says.
"And when the United States has had a severe flu season, which they did this year, Australia will also have a bad flu season.
"This flu season is underway early and it's expected to be particularly relentless."
Prof Stocks says data this year has also revealed a higher percentage of flu cases linked to the influenza B strain compared to influenza A.
The current flu vaccine offers good protection against both strains.
"I'd encourage anyone considering a vaccination to get one as soon as possible because the flu season is already upon us," Professor Stocks said.
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