How many people die from Influenza in Australia?
In 2016, there were 273 confirmed Flu deaths.
In 2017, there were 1,181 confirmed Flu deaths.
In 2018, there were 148 confirmed Flu deaths.
In 2019, there were 902 confirmed Flu deaths.
In 2020, there were 36 confirmed Flu deaths.
Laboratory-confirmed influenza deaths recorded by the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.
Confirmed case numbers are lower than the notified case totals shown in the annual summaries.
How Many cases of Influenza in Australia?
The 5 year average of Flu cases in Australia was quoted at 163,015 cases in the 2020 report, having risen from 107,450 cases in the 2018 report.
- In 2016 there were 87,333 confirmed notifications of influenza.
- In 2017 there were 233,453 confirmed notifications of influenza.
- In 2018 there were 48,276 confirmed notifications of influenza.
- In 2019 there were 313,033 confirmed notifications of influenza.
- In 2020 there were 21,266 confirmed notifications of influenza.
- In 2021 there have been very few cases, with just 512 notifications and one hospital admissions due to influenza up to 12 Sept 2021.
Mask wearing and Social distancing, amongst other COVID restrictions, have been highly instrumental in reducing Flu transmission in both 2020 and 2021.
Median Age of Influenza Deaths
The Median Age of deaths from the Flu appears to be 83 years of age, based on these 4 years reports of a median age between 80 and 86 years.
- In the 2019 report the median age of death from Influenza was 86 years, with 87% of deaths reported in people aged 65 years and older.
- In the 2018 report the median age of death from Influenza was 80 years, with 75% of deaths reported in people aged 65 years and older.
- In the 2017 report the median age of death from Influenza was 86 years, with 91% of deaths reported in people aged 65 years and older.
- In the 2016 report the median age of death from Influenza was 80 years.
Comparison of Influenza to COVID-19
As at the 4th July 2021, with a total of 30,757 Australian cases of COVID-19, and 910 deaths, the median ages for Covid-19 cases and deaths were:
- Cases: 37 years (range: 0 to 106 years).
- Deaths: 86 years (range: 27 to 106 years).
As at the 19th September 2021, with a total of 85,629 cases of COVID-19 and 1,162 deaths, the median age for Covid-19 cases and deaths were:
- Cases: 32 years (range: 0 to 106 years).
- Deaths: 86 years (range: 27 to 106 years).
Various reported have shown the age range has changed with the youngest Covid-19 death now being 15, and with 8 deaths being in their 20s.
Sources:
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report – 2017.
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report – 2018.
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report – 2019.
Australian Influenza Surveillance Report – 2020.