Australia reports traditional influenza peak and early pollen season

Australia is experiencing an influenza season that appears to be following a more traditional pattern, with activity peaking around August rather than the earlier peaks seen in recent post-pandemic years. The current season is driven by the A(H3N2) strain and has remained relatively small in scale compared to immediate post-COVID-19 seasons.

Simultaneously, the 2026 pollen season has commenced in Australia. Residents in eastern states are reporting earlier-than-normal hay fever symptoms, likely due to increased vegetation growth observed via satellite imaging during late winter and early spring. In contrast, Western Australia may see a slower start to the season due to lower plant growth resulting from reduced rainfall.

In New Zealand, the region has faced a difficult flu season characterized by high levels of severe acute respiratory illness, compounded by challenges regarding staffing levels and vaccine availability.