Social-distancing and better hygiene has seen influenza flu cases and deaths drop dramatically.

The flu has always been something of a silent killer.

Many of us brush it off as little more than a bad cold, but almost 100 people died of the flu in WA by this time last year.

However, that number has plummeted by 95%, with just four people dying from influenza so far.

Just over 1,200 cases have been recorded to date, compared with more than 21,000 last year.

It’s a relief after last year’s horror season that saw infections spike at 800% on previous years.

99 people lost their lives, including five children.

Australia has seen “unprecedented demand” for flu vaccines this year, with two million extra doses rolled out in May to make 18 million shots available.

It comes as the Government warned of the “double whammy” of COVID-19 and another bad flu season. 

Further Perth news on SoPerth.com.au.