Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 07 - 15 August to 28 August 2015

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 and emergency departments; ILI-related call centre calls and community level surveys; and sentinel laboratory testing results.

Page last updated: 08 September 2015

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, with updates also provided during the season. A more in-depth end-of-season report is also published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence journal.

Australian Influenza Surveillance Report No 07 - 15 August to 28 August 2015

Summary

  • Across most jurisdictions, seasonal influenza activity appears to have peaked in recent weeks with the exception of South Australia where activity continues to rise. The timing and magnitude of the peak is similar to 2014.
  • Influenza notification rates have been highest among those aged between 5 and 9 and over 85 years with a secondary peak in those aged 40-44 years.
  • Influenza B continues to be the dominant influenza virus type nationally, comprising over two thirds of all notifications. In the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia, influenza A continues to replace influenza B.
  • All systems that monitor influenza-like illness (ILI) activity are reporting decreasing activity following a season peak in the week ending 23 August. Influenza is the primary cause of ILI in the community this fortnight however other respiratory viruses continue to circulate at elevated levels.
  • Data for hospitalisations with confirmed influenza show high influenza activity which is typical for mid-season. Influenza B continues to account for more than half of admissions.
  • The seasonal influenza vaccines appear to be a good match for circulating strains with 83% of samples matching the trivalent seasonal vaccine (TIV).

Full Report

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Previous Reports and Updates

Annual Reports

Accessibility Issues

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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