Sign in Subscribe
Health care industry

Aussie Families Face Extra Expenses and Stress During Cold and Flu Season

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new survey commissioned by FESS has revealed the significant financial and emotional burden of cold and flu season on Australian families. The research, which polled 2,000 parents across the country, found that the majority (86%) of families face extra expenses during the winter months, with 42% spending between $100-$300 on cold and flu-related healthcare alone. The survey also highlighted the impact on family dynamics, with young families being hit hardest by the winter flu penalty.

Key Takeaways:

  • 86% of Aussie families face extra expenses during cold and flu season, with 42% spending between $100-$300 on healthcare.
  • Young families with children aged 0-5 and 6-12 were particularly affected, with 80% and 79% of parents taking time off work to care for sick children, respectively.
  • 51% of parents have had to take time off work due to falling ill with a cold or flu themselves, with 24% needing to take more than three days off in the past year.
  • 74% of parents with children aged 0-5 years are spending more on their groceries due to sickness, with 26% of those families spending significantly more than usual.
  • 69% of Aussie families have been vaccinated to help protect their household during cold and flu season.
  • 39% of parents cite long wait times at GP clinics as a major barrier to seeking care, while 38% point to a lack of bulk-billed services.
  • At the first sign of illness, Australian families prioritize pain and fever relief (50%), vitamins (25%), and nasal spray (14%) to help combat cold and flu symptoms at home.

Statistics:

  • 86% of Aussie families face extra expenses during cold and flu season (FESS Winter (Un)Wellness survey).
  • 75% of young families (with children aged 0-5 and 6-12) take time off work to care for sick children (FESS Winter (Un)Wellness survey).
  • 51% of parents have taken time off work due to falling ill with a cold or flu themselves (FESS Winter (Un)Wellness survey).
  • 74% of parents with children aged 0-5 years are spending more on their groceries due to sickness (FESS Winter (Un)Wellness survey).

Sources:

  • FESS (2025). Winter (Un)Wellness survey.

Read more