Annual report of the National Influenza Surveillance Scheme, 2005.

Abstract

Surveillance of influenza in Australia is based on laboratory isolation of influenza viruses, sentinel general-practitioner reports of influenza-like illness, and absenteeism data from a major national employer. In 2005, 4,575 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness were reported, which was 115 per cent higher than in 2004. The influenza season started in the first week of June, with peak activity in early August, a month earlier than in 2004. Influenza A was the predominant type notified (73%), while influenza B activity continued to increase compared to previous years. During 2005, the influenza notification rate amongst persons aged over 65 years (22 cases per 100,000 populat..