Australian Government Warns of Increased Influenza Activity Across the Country

Strategic Insights -

The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) has acknowledged the current increase in respiratory disease activity across Australia, with reported influenza activity rising since early May 2025. This increase is consistent with expected seasonal patterns, although a higher proportion of influenza B infections is being seen, particularly in school-aged children. Hospitalisations due to influenza have also increased, particularly among children under 5 and adults over 65, as have reported COVID-19 activity, despite a decrease since late June 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) has acknowledged the current increase in respiratory disease activity across Australia, with reported influenza activity rising since early May 2025.
  • The proportion of influenza B infections has increased compared to last year, particularly in school-aged children.
  • Hospitalisations due to influenza have increased, particularly among children under 5 and adults over 65, as have reported COVID-19 activity.
  • Despite decreasing COVID-19 activity, it remains the leading cause of acute respiratory infection mortality.
  • Reported RSV activity has also shown a seasonal increase, with overall case numbers lower than observed last year, most notably in infants.
  • The AHPC is concerned that the number of people receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine this year remains low, especially in high-risk age groups, with 40% of adults aged 65 and over and 77% of children aged six months to less than five years having not received an influenza vaccine this year.
  • The AHPC advises that people with respiratory symptoms should stay at home while unwell, avoid contact with people at increased risk of severe disease, and refrain from visiting high-risk settings such as aged care homes.

Statistics:

  • 40% of adults aged 65 and over have not received an influenza vaccine this year.
  • 77% of children aged six months to less than five years have not received an influenza vaccine this year.
  • The proportion of influenza B infections has increased compared to last year, particularly in school-aged children.
  • Hospitalisations due to influenza have increased, particularly among children under 5 and adults over 65.

Sources:

  • Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, July 28.