Big flu outbreaks in Australia during their winter season

Health authorities in Australia have noted a four fold increase in reported cases of influenza. Both the pandemic H1N1 strain (swine flu) and influenza B are the most common strains isolated from patients. New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have been the most affected areas. So far in 2011, a total of 7,931 confirmed cases of influenza have been registered nationally. Since May alone, the number of cases have increased by more than 200 per cent while 2,454 cases were recorded in June and 1,345 so far in July.

Reported cases of influenza generally reflect only a relatively small portion of the actual cases since many people with influenza do not seek medical attention.

Travellers are reminded that the temperate countries of the southern hemisphere are in mid-winter season when influenza viruses circulate widely in the population. Travellers to these countries should consider obtaining a vaccination against influenza.