COVID-19 still biggest respiratory killer, GP expert warns

When it comes to winter viruses, influenza and RSV vaccinations are now top of the list of concerns for many patients, particularly with COVID-19 vaccine boosters no longer recommended for most healthy people.
 
However, one expert warns that, while the pandemic may be over, COVID-19 remains the deadliest of the three viruses.
 
Head of General Practice at UNSW Sydney and RACGP Specific Interests Cancer and Palliative Care Chair Associate Professor Joel Rhee says it’s a fact that even many of his own medical students are unaware of.
 
‘When I ask [them], “what do you think is more serious – influenza or COVID-19?”, almost 100% say influenza,’ says Associate Professor Rhee.
 
‘But the statistics say otherwise. COVID-19 is still causing more deaths than flu.’
 
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that from 2023–25, COVID-19 was the leading cause of deaths from acute respiratory infection.
 
By the end of March, the ABS recorded 516 deaths in 2025 from COVID-19, compared to 84 from influenza, and 36 from RSV.
 
While influenza affects people from all age groups, from infancy to elderly, COVID-19 ‘doesn’t seem to be a serious disease in young children’ said Associate Professor Rhee.
 
He said although the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the virus itself remains and still poses a danger to older Australians and those with underlying health conditions.

‘COVID-19 is still a significant cause of death in aged care,’ he said.
 
‘We’re no longer recommending an annual booster for most healthy people, but those over 65 or with underlying health conditions may need annual or more frequent boosters.’
 
Associate Professor Rhee said healthy people caring for vulnerable relatives or who are travelling should also consider a booster.
 
Wastewater surveillance shows a new COVID-19 variant is also emerging and causing a spike in infections.
 
‘There’s no reason to believe our current vaccines won’t work against it, but it’s all the more reason to practise good hygiene and test if you have symptoms,’ Associate Professor Rhee said.
 
‘If we can all take simple steps – getting vaccinated, washing hands after coming home or before eating or drinking, staying home when we’re sick, wearing a mask in crowded spaces – we can reduce the virus circulating in the community.’
 
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