The 2015/2016 influenza surveillance season began on Monday 28^th September 2015. HPSC works in collaboration with the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and the Departments of Public Health on influenza surveillance. A weekly influenza surveillance report is produced and posted on the HPSC website throughout the influenza season. The first report of the 2015/2016 influenza season will be posted on the HPSC website on Thursday 8^th October 2015.

Currently, all indicators of influenza activity in Ireland are at low levels. Following late season influenza B activity in May and June, sporadic influenza cases (the majority of which were influenza B) were reported throughout the summer period.

Globally, in Northern Hemisphere countries, respiratory virus activity remained low in general and influenza activity continued at low, inter-seasonal levels. Influenza activity continued in the Southern Hemisphere, with slightly decreased activity in Oceania and temperate South America and low activity in South Africa. In Australia, influenza activity has peaked in most regions, with influenza B predominating, followed by influenza A(H3N2). In New Zealand, influenza activity peaked in August, with influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses predominating during the season. For further information see ECDC and WHO influenza surveillance reports.

Lisa Domegan & Joan O’Donnell, HPSC