Australian health authorities are encouraging residents to get their flu shot as cases surge nationwide, with one state seeing numbers nearly double. According to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, over 46,300 flu cases were recorded across Australia by the end of March this year—a rise of approximately 50 per cent compared to the same period last year. The data revealed that 67 people in Queensland had been hospitalised due to influenza, and 900 new cases were confirmed within a single week. Meanwhile, in Victoria, more than 10,000 flu cases have been reported so far, with numbers continuing to climb—almost double compared to the same time last year. April Is The Right Time To Get Flu Shots: AuthoritiesIt is pertinent to note that Australia is located in the southern hemisphere and is currently moving towards the much-dreaded winter season. While winters are not directly linked to influenza and related diseases, they create conditions that make it easier for flu viruses to spread and for people to become infected. Victorian Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri told the leading Australian news publication Nine, that April is the ideal time to get vaccinated before flu season peaks in June and July. "It does take a couple of weeks before those antibodies come into your body and give you that protection – so you'll get peak protection if you go out and get vaccinated now," he explained. A spokesperson from the Australian Health Department warned that the flu poses a serious threat to babies, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is available to everyone over six months of age.“It can require hospitalisation and can cause death,” the spokesperson said. “Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family from serious disease caused by influenza.”Who Should Get Vaccinated?The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has an influenza (flu) shot every year. Categories which particularly need to get jabbed include children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with medical conditions. What Is Flu? What Are The Symptoms?Flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that targets the respiratory system of a person. However, many confuse it with the common cold. While flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, like runny nose and cough. But cold symptoms are usually mild and flu symptoms can be severe and lead to serious complications. Different viruses cause colds and the flu. Key symptoms include:FeverChillsCoughSore throatStuffy noseBody achesHeadachesWhile for many, the immune system clears the symptoms in about a week, for others, it can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or even death.