Influenza is an infectious disease with mostly respiratory symptoms caused by influenza viruses. The effects of the influenza can range from mild to very severe. Each year there are many avoidable deaths from influenza.

Death and complications are more common in older people and those with chronic illnesses. These include people with metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes); chronic lung conditions (e.g. chronic bronchitis); cardiovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease); liver  disease; haematologic conditions; chronic kidney diseases (e.g. chronic renal failure); chronic neurological conditions and physical handicap (e.g. cerebral palsy); and conditions and treatments that suppress the immune function (e.g. chemotherapy).

The elderly on average have a greater risk of developing severe complications, such as pneumonia. In addition, they also are more likely to have chronic diseases, have underlying diseases which reduce their resistance to infection, and their immune response may also be less effective. Very young children also have an increased risk of being infected because they have not developed immunity to the virus.

It is also noted that healthy pregnant women are at increased risk of becoming hospitalised due to respiratory illness during influenza seasons. In fact, globally influenza epidemics are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that up to 40,000 people in the EU/EEA die prematurely each year due of causes associated with influenza.

The government offers free vaccination for influenza to all people aged under five and those over 55

The severity and pattern of influenza infection and disease varies from year to year depending on the characteristics of the virus. The most significant impacts of influenza viruses on humans are those arising from the influenza A strains. Seasonal influenza annually affects Europe and the rest of the northern hemisphere during the winter season. The southern hemisphere has a similar epidemic in its winter (June to October).

In Oceania, seasonal influenza activity peaked in mid-August with influenza A(H3N2) virus predominant, followed by B viruses. Australia saw a higher rate of influenza, which at the peak, was approximately 2.5 times higher than the same period in 2016. It was commoner in older adults aged 80, followed by children aged five to nine.

The 2017 epidemic in Australia has featured severe outbreaks in residential aged care facilities, in several states. This higher rate of influenza prompted many countries in the northern hemisphere who are starting the influenza season now, including Malta, to enhance our preparedness, as it is expected that we will experience a more severe season.

Malta monitors influenza activity by community surveillance through general practitioner visits. For the 2016-2017 season, the highest peak recorded during the season was in the first week of January 2017 with a rate of 80.664 per population of 1,000 people. After that, the rate decreased slowly until week 20 of 2017, with a rate of 1.217 per population of 1,000 people.

The majority of cases were Influenza A H3. For this year, sentinel surveillance in the community already started to provide an epidemiological picture of the situation and provide information on preparedness.

Influenza is a preventable disease which can be prevented by vaccine. It is transmitted from person to person through the air or from contaminated hands or surfaces. The risk of getting or causing infection is easily reduced by taking some simple preventive steps, such as staying at home if sick, frequent washing of hands and proper disposal of used tissues.

Immunisation in particular decreases the risk of a person from being infected. The government offers free vaccination for influenza to all people aged under five and those over 55. It is also available for people with chronic illness. These people are encouraged to take the influenza vaccine early in the season to ensure maximal protection and prevention of complications. Proper use of flu vaccines is the most effective form of protection.

Dr Charmaine Gauci is Superintendent of Public Health.