NICD: Flu season began ‘earlier’ in March
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says this year's flu season began earlier than usual, with many pneumonia-related hospital admissions.
Officials say that most cases are caused by the H3N2 strain of influenza A, with smaller numbers of H1N1 and influenza B also detected.
The public is urged to wash hands, cover coughs and get vaccinated, as flu strains change yearly.
Although transmission remains low, early monitoring is advised to help prevent severe illness and protect those most at risk.
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"The 2025 influenza season has started," the NICD said.
“The influenza season started in week 13 (week starting 24 March 2025) when the influenza detection rate (3-week moving average) from the NICD inpatient pneumonia sentinel surveillance in public hospitals breached the seasonal threshold and remained above the threshold for two consecutive weeks.
"The season started four weeks earlier as compared to the 2024 influenza season, which started in week 17 (week starting 22 April 2024)."
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