Covid cases are expected to skyrocket this winter with a super contagious strain of the Omicron variant to infect a large percentage of ns.
Although social distancing and face masks may feel like a distant memory as passes the five-year anniversary of Covid lockdowns, experts have warned people to remain vigilant about the virus.
Variant LP.8.1. was identified as the main culprit of large outbreaks overseas in late 2024 and early 2025 and was responsible for three in five Covid cases in the UK in March.
While the strain does not appear to cause worse symptoms than its predecessors, recent testing found it could be more contagious.
Professor of epidemiology at Deakin University Catherine Bennett warned a combination of factors created the conditions for an explosion in the number of cases.
‘Our immunity is waning – it’s been a while since most people have had a Covid infection and fewer people are getting boosters now,’ she told Daily Mail .
‘As we go into winter, more people will be gathering indoors together which helps the virus spread. That’s why all that respiratory virus transmission goes up in winter.
‘This variant has been in since July last year, but we were coming out of winter, we’d gone through the worst of the wave and most people had a recent infection or booster dose.
‘We might start to see case numbers going up through May to June rather than waiting in a few months’ time, so it’s good to make people aware.’
The current wave of Covid vaccines do reduce the symptoms of the new strain, so Professor Bennett said everyone should be considering a free jab, particularly those in vulnerable groups.
‘Any variant can be a real problem for them, that’s why it’s advised for people with underlying health conditions or aged over 65 to have a pre-winter dose,’ she said.
‘It takes a couple of weeks to get the benefit of a vaccine and while it might only protect you for a couple of months, that’s as long as the waves usually last.
‘Getting it in May will keep you covered. Don’t don’t wait until the cases are already rising. You know, give yourself a couple of weeks’ notice.’
Aside from a booster jab, Professor Bennett encouraged people to take the same precautions they would for a flu outbreak.
‘If people are coming over to visit but say they’re feeling a bit lousy, send them home. Everybody who’s feeling sick should stay home when possible,’ she said.
‘You might feel well enough but you don’t want to make someone else sick, and that person could be someone who gets very sick.
‘Just be mindful that there’s a higher risk over the next few months and pay extra attention.
‘Keep extra space and stay in well-aired places. Have your coffee outdoors at your cafe instead of staying inside during peak times.
‘It’s just little things that mean you’re less likely to be exposed to infection while you’re out and about.’
Covid vaccinations are free for everyone in , including those without a Medicare card.
You can get Covid vaccines from a range of vaccination providers. To find a vaccination provider near you, use the service finder on the Healthdirect website.