In the latest NSW respiratory surveillance report, this key indicator of activity increased to 24 per cent — up from 18 per cent a week earlier.
“Influenza activity is at a high level and continues to increase, with the number of presentations to emergency departments increasing and the number of influenza notifications also increasing,” the report said.
Considering all Respiratory syncytial virus indicators, the report suggests activity is considered to be at a moderate level.
Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) and pneumonia continue to be unseasonably high in school-aged children.
COVID-19 activity remains at high levels but is starting to decline.
As virus numbers continue to surge, MLHD is urging those most at risk to get their flu shots.
Those aged 65 and over, in particular, are being encouraged to book for their free flu jab.
MLHD senior medical adviser Dr Anton Forsyth said this age group was at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, but vaccination rates were not where they should be.
“At present, just over half of people 65 and over (57 per cent) in NSW have received their flu vaccine,” he said.
The vaccine is also free for other high-risk groups, which include children aged six months to under five years; Indigenous people from six months of age; pregnant women; and those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma, kidney, heart and lung disease.
With all three viruses circulating, people are asked to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.