Increased influenza activity and guidance for the holiday season

The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) notes reports of increased influenza in Australia. This is unusual for this time of year.

Several factors may be contributing to this unusual increase, but the main driver is most likely infections with influenza A(H3N2) virus, in particular a new subclade called subclade K. While there is no indication of increased severity of illness, the increase in infections may put increased pressure on our nation’s health care services, as well as increase the risk of serious illness especially in older people, young children, people who are pregnant or breast feeding, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who have serious medical conditions.

Healthcare professionals and aged care providers:

• Be alert for possible influenza outbreaks in institutional settings, including residential aged care homes, correctional centres and hospitals. Follow local outbreak protocols and report outbreaks to your local public health unit.
• Reinforce your service’s infection prevention control measures, ensure clear outbreak action plans are in place, and encourage vaccination for any unvaccinated aged care residents and staff. This is also an opportunity to consider whether aged care residents are due for a COVID vaccine.
• Antiviral medication, like oseltamivir, remains effective against the currently circulating influenza A(H3N2) subclade K virus, and early treatment is recommended for high-risk patients with influenza. Oseltamivir can reduce symptom duration and infectiousness in at risk individuals, and may also be used for outbreak prophylaxis in line with guidance from your local public health unit.