Australian Influenza Surveillance Report - week ending 21 July 2017 (#05/2017)

The Australian Influenza Surveillance Report and Activity Updates are compiled from a number of data sources, which are used to monitor influenza activity and severity in the community. These data sources include laboratory-confirmed notifications to NNDSS; influenza associated hospitalisations; sentinel influenza-like illness (ILI) reporting from general practitioners; ILI-related community level surveys; and sentinel laboratory testing results.

Page last updated: 01 August 2017

The Australian Influenza Surveillance Report is published on a fortnightly basis during the influenza season, typically between May and October. Influenza activity updates will be published outside of the seasonal period.

Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 05 - week ending 21 July 2017

Summary

  • Influenza activity at the national level continued to increase this reporting fortnight indicating that the season is underway in a majority of regions across Australia. This increase in activity occurred approximately one month earlier than in 2016.
  • Influenza was detected at increasing levels by the majority of sentinel laboratories this reporting fortnight. For the first time since reporting for 2017 began, influenza A was the most common respiratory virus detected by a majority of sentinel laboratories, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  • Influenza A(H3N2) is currently the predominant circulating A subtype in the majority of jurisdictions. Nationally, notifications of laboratory confirmed influenza B viruses reached a plateau this reporting fortnight.
  • Notification rates this year to date have been highest in adults aged 85 years or older, with a secondary peak in young children, aged less than 10 years.
  • Influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community and ILI presentations to sentinel GPs this fortnight continued the overall increasing trend, however remain within the range of recent seasons.
  • Hospitalisations with confirmed influenza have increased in recent weeks in line with the seasonal increase in community level activity.
  • To date, the seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating virus strains.

Full Report

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Previous Reports and Updates

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Should you encounter issues in accessing the information contained either on this webpage or within the downloadable full reports please email flu (flu@health.gov.au) or contact the Department of Health switchboard on 02 6289 1555 or 1800 020 103.

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