The effect of ambient temperature on the activity of influenza and influenza like illness in Jiangsu Province, China

Highlights: • Flu-A circulated throughout the year with two peaks, while Flu-B were usually tested positive in winter or early spring. • The RR of ILI increased with time and peaked 1 day later at low temperature, while peaked on day 0 at high temperature. • The influenza viruses activity did drive up the rising of ILI%, particularly the Flu-A which circulated throughout the year. • The cumulative association between influenza activity and temperature presented regional homogeneity in Jiangsu Province. We aimed to evaluate and quantify the association between ambient temperature and activity of influenza like illness (ILI) and influenza in Jiangsu Province, China.