Australians on Wednesday were told to brace for a spike in the number of swine flu cases across the country over the next 48 hours.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon issued the warning, but said there is no need for public alarm at this stage, with cases of the H1N1 flu so far remaining mild.
Ms Roxon says there are now 61 confirmed cases of swine flu across Australia.
Six schools have been closed to limit the spread of the virus; four in Victoria and two in South Australia.
