An investment in predicting and mitigating influenza

A group of medical researchers led by Auckland University's Dr Nikki Turner - have been granted 8.3 million dollars over three years to develop a new tool.

It's intended to help communities and clinicians understand the risks of flu and prevent outbreaks - with a focus on equity outcomes.

Research fellow Samantha Marsh says it will build on prior research into patterns of respiratory illnesses.

She says the next step is about translating that into something practical for communities - to help reduce the impact of flu.