A report by Barr et al., 2019, ‘Intense interseasonal influenza outbreaks, Australia, 2018/19’. Euro Surveill. 019;24(33):pii=1900421 published this month in Eurosurveillance explains that the pre-season surge in flu cases this year was ‘complex and due to multiple factors’ that included an extensive influenza outbreak occurring during the tropic's rainy season and a mild but lengthy preceding flu season in 2018 which produced ‘a larger susceptible population’. In other flu news, the latest WHO global influenza update (data to Aug 4) notes that activity has peaked in most countries in the southern hemisphere’s temperate zones, however in ’Queensland, activity had not peaked yet. Western Australia reported ILI activity higher than that of the 2017 season.’ Elsewhere, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated in Myanmar (detections remained high) and in Uruguay (minor increase).
Advice for travellers
Seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness because it is a potential risk during every stage of the journey. Whether you are travelling within Australia or overseas, Travelvax recommends vaccination for all travellers over 6 months of age. Read more about influenza.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.