"It is worrying that the majority of people, even those most at risk of complications, haven't been vaccinated and don't intend to protect themselves in the coming year. Pregnant women are a group for whom this condition has been particularly serious where complications from swine flu seriously threaten their health and their unborn baby," she added.

With the recent availability of a vaccine for children from 6 months, Dr Bennett encouraged parents to get children under 10 years vaccinated, in particular, as they have accounted for one in five swine flu cases and a quarter of all hospitalisations. For parents and carers of children younger than six months, they should consider getting the vaccine themselves.

"We know from our research that people seem uninformed and confused about the risk of catching swine flu, its potential consequences and about whether it is advisable to be vaccinated," Dr Bennett said, "The best protection you can afford yourself and others is to get vaccinated against swine flu."

Bupa Australia offers the following five simple ways to protect against catching and spreading cold and flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze Wash your hands Don't share personal items such as eating and drinking utensils, food and drink Regularly clean surfaces such as tables, benches and door handles, as the virus can live for up to 48 hours Avoid close contact with others if you are unwell with cold or flu

Source: Research Australia