Several jurisdictions have recorded spikes in influenza cases over the past few weeks, suggesting a later-than-usual flu season.
Flu numbers are anticipated to be lower across Australia than in 2025, which saw the most influenza-related deaths this century.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control says although flu activity has increased later than usual, new cases have slowed in recent weeks, suggesting a national peak may be coming.
Australia is facing an abnormally late surge in influenza numbers this year, but the total amount of cases is predicted to be far fewer than 2025.
Last year, the nation recorded a record, with over 1,700 Australians dying from influenza — the most this century.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Michael Wright said the good news was that numbers this year would be lower.
Dr Wright said last year saw two influenza peaks, with the second peak coming from a new strain of the virus.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control tracks the number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases across the country.
Since the pandemic, flu season has typically aligned the winter months, however the spokesperson said a peak in early-September is consistent with pre-pandemic flu seasons.
At the start September, data from Queensland Health showed a late uptick in influenza cases across the state, with abnormally low reports of the disease so far this year.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay said the season has arrived later than previous years.