Not Much Flu to Discuss

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published Influenza Update N° 447, which reported influenza detections decreased further in the northern hemisphere. In contrast, some countries in the southern hemisphere reported an increase in recent weeks.

In the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, influenza activity continued to decrease and was reported at low levels or below the seasonal threshold in most reporting countries.

As of June 12, 2023, the WHO confirmed in Oceania, influenza activity increased slightly, following trends similar to previous seasons.

Separately, Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care reported on June 2, 2023, there is currently not enough information to comprehensively assess the potential severity of the 2023 influenza season. Since seasonal surveillance commenced in Australia in April 2023, there have been 518 sentinel hospital admissions with confirmed influenza.

In Southern Asia, influenza activity remained low, with all seasonal subtypes detected.

In South-East Asia, influenza activity remained stable in most reporting countries, with continued reporting of predominantly A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) virus detections.

In temperate South America, influenza activity continued to increase, mainly reflecting an increase in Chile.

In the tropical countries of South America, overall influenza activity remained elevated.

In the Caribbean, influenza activity remained low overall, although increased activity was reported in a few reporting countries.

National Influenza Centres and other national influenza laboratories from 119 countries, areas, or territories reported data to FluNet for the period from May 15, 2023, to June 6, 2023.

During the 2022-2023 flu season in the U.S., over 173 million flu shots were distributed. And the 2023-2024 influenza vaccines should become available to local clinics and pharmacies in August 2023.