New COVID Variant Spreads as Australia Battles Early Flu Season

Australia Faces New COVID-19 Variant as Flu Season Intensifies A new COVID-19 subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is rapidly spreading across Australia, coinciding with an early and severe flu season. Health authorities are urging Australians to get updated booster shots as case numbers climb. The NB.1.8.1 variant, a subvariant of Omicron, is proving more infectious than previous strains. In Western Australia, it's already the dominant variant, while in Victoria, it accounts for 40% of cases. Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious disease expert, noted, "It is time to pay attention to COVID again and make sure we've got all of our measures in place to be prepared." The early and intense flu season adds to the concern. Almost 20,000 flu infections have been reported so far in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. Associate Professor Lara Herrero of Griffith University highlights the current booster's limitations: "And this variant is kind of offspring, if you will, of the JN1 and our current vaccine, our current booster is JN1, so I would say that that vaccine is your best chance of protection." However, booster shot uptake rates are worryingly low. Despite the rising case numbers, there are currently no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask-wearing. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by evolving viruses.