Being reported on Tuesday were some grim statistics.

A three-year-old was the youngest of 26 people who had died from influenza in Victoria as we grapple with an early start to this year's flu season.

South Australia has had it as equally bad - there, 27 deaths have been confirmed and nursing homes have been locked down.

Most cases were in aged care.

The figures, however, could be higher. The health department, which collates flu statistics, isn't notified of all deaths.

In Bendigo, there has been a six-fold increase in reported flu cases this year so far.

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If the numbers continue on their present course we will pass last year's tally within a week or two.

As we're heading into the prime cold and flu season, that number - 120 - is likely to tumble far sooner.

"People catch colds more in cold weather because they congregate. It's the people not the spaces that are infectious, " said Bendigo Health director of infection prevention and control, Jane Hellsten.

We drag ourselves into the office when sick, a strong work ethic making us keen not to let the side down.

Students pull themselves out of bed and into classrooms so they don't fall behind.

We continue to travel. Cheap airfares keep the population on the move and make halting the spread of viruses harder. Whether it be flu or, as has been the case this year, measles.

We can't stop. Don't want to stop. But if you can afford to stay home - both time wise and financially - then consider doing just that. Rest up. Get better. Stop the spread of the flu.

If you're out and about, take care. Don't cough over your keyboards (and workmates) without a tissue in sight. It's far too common as winter nears.

Finally, get the flu jab - and join 3000 of your Bendigo colleagues who are lining up in their work places to get that little extra help fighting off the bugs.

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