Flu kills 21 at Tasmanian nursing homes

The peak of Tasmania's 2017 flu season has passed, health authorities say, confirming that 21 people died during numerous outbreaks at nursing homes.

The flu has claimed 21 lives at Tasmanian nursing homes during a season where the worst has passed, authorities say.

Thirty-four nursing homes have reported influenza outbreaks so far in 2017, with 17 facilities still affected, Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said on Tuesday.

"This year's flu season started earlier than in recent years and has been moderately severe," Dr Veitch said, adding that more than 2260 cases have been reported in September up until Monday.