RMIT researchers bring fight to super flu with new plastic

From left to right, Associate Professor Natalie Borg, Dr Denver Linklater, Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova and study lead author Samson Mah. Image credit: RMIT University Media Centre

A fast-moving strain of influenza called ‘Super K flu’ has been spreading in Australia since late 2025.

Every year, there are new seasonal influenza strains and subtypes that spread through the community and contribute to the respiratory illness season.

To stop the spread of diseases like the flu and other viruses, researchers from RMIT University have developed a textured plastic that “mechanically destroys viruses on contact”.

Unlike chemical disinfectants, this antiviral surface uses “nanopillars” that are spaced out across the surface of the plastic sheet to stretch the viruses until they rupture.

Their testing on human parainfluenza viruses, which are linked to bronchitis and pneumonia, found the plastic kills 94 per cent of virus particles within one hour.

Study lead author and PhD candidate Samson Mah from Australia’s RMIT University said the plastic could be scaled for everyday use.

“We could one day have surfaces like phone screens, keyboards and hospital tables covered with this film, killing viruses on contact without using harsh chemicals,” he said.

However, further research is needed to test the effectiveness of the plastic on curved surfaces and different types of viruses.

Antiviral textured plastic. Image credit: RMIT University Media Centre

Antiviral textured plastic, Image credit: RMIT University Media Centre

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright said the high flu numbers last year likely contributed to hospital admissions and ambulance demand.

“Last year was a horror flu year. That likely contributed to the surge in demand on our hospitals we saw in 2025, and unacceptable ambulance ramping when hospitals couldn’t cope as a result,” he said.

The flu season most commonly runs from June to September. 

However, the Super K Flu strain has been spreading earlier than the typical flu season and more quickly.

So far in 2026, there have been over 25,000 cases of the flu reported, which follows last year’s worst flu season on record, according to the RACGP.

Last year’s flu surge coincided with declining vaccination rates as reported by the Immunisation College.

In March, experts from the RACGP called for Australians to get vaccinated ahead of this year's flu season to avoid another bad flu year.

“Annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family this winter,” Wright said.

There are two seasonal flu vaccinations available in 2026, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia (NCIRS).

This year, vaccinations are available as an injection, and for the first time in Australia as a nasal spray for children in some states and territories.

The flu is typically spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing, which can infect others who breathe them in or touch surfaces those droplets have landed on, and then touch their face.

Flu transmissions can be prevented by regular hand washing, staying at home when sick, and using disinfectants to sanitise shared or communal surfaces.

Emerging technologies like the textured plastic may also play a role in preventing future flu seasons.