National Influenza Surveillance 1996

In 1996 data from laboratories, general practitioners and a national employer were combined to detect trends in influenza activity in Australia. An epidemic of influenza A (H3N2) was recorded. Little influenza B activity was noted throughout the winter months, however the number of laboratory reports of influenza B rose in the last quarter of the year. Influenza activity was reflected in the consultation rates recorder by sentinel general practitioner reporting schemes. Of particular note was the Tropical Influenza Surveillance in the Northern Territory which demonstrated a bimodal epidemic pattern. There was no apparent trend in national absenteeism rates recorded by a national employer.