Flu 2026: the 7 warning symptoms and a doctor's alert about more aggressive strains

The first data on the 2026 flu season are coming from Australia, where the number of cases has risen sharply. Italian infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti is now warning of the risk of more severe forms of the illness in the coming period, as the virus makes its way to Europe.

The 7 symptoms that seniors and their families should watch out for

Doctors recommend staying at home and seeking prompt medical advice as soon as the following symptoms appear:

• High fever, above 38°C, with sudden onset
• Dry, persistent cough
• Sore throat with difficulty swallowing (odynophagia)
• Severe muscle and joint pain (myalgia)
• Pronounced fatigue and weakness
• Intense headaches
• Nasal congestion with blockage of the upper airways

The situation in Australia: a 33% rise in one week

According to the official report from health authorities in Queensland, covering the period 1 January – 16 August 2026, the region is experiencing a new wave of infections. In the week ending 15 August alone, 1,449 new cases were recorded — 33% more than the previous week, when 1,093 cases were reported.

Although the total number of cases since the start of the year — 15,560 — is lower than in the same period last year, the data show a clear predominance of influenza type A:

• Influenza type A: 13,736 cases
• Influenza type B: 1,612 cases
• Hospitalisations: 1,443 patients admitted, of whom nearly half are over 65 years of age

Children under two years of age have also been significantly affected: over 5,200 cases were reported in this age group, accounting for a third of all paediatric hospitalisations.

The warning from Dr Matteo Bassetti

Analysing the data from Australia, Bassetti stresses that a lower overall case count does not automatically mean a reduced risk for the population. "There are regions where pressure on hospitals is greater than last year. General circulation of the virus may be lower, but the strains currently present could be more aggressive," the Italian physician stated.

The specialist recommends closely monitoring epidemiological developments in Australia in order to properly assess the risks that the 2026 flu season may bring to Europe.