A "triple threat" of rising cases of influenza, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been reported across NSW, prompting health authorities to issue an urgent warning.
The Respiratory Health Surveillance report in New South Wales, Australia, released on Thursday, revealed a 27% increase in influenza infections and a 23% increase in COVID-19 infections weekly.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said: "Less than half of people aged 65 and over in NSW have received the flu vaccine this year, and we really need to increase that number, especially as people in this age group "They are most at risk of severe illness. We expect the number of influenza cases to increase rapidly in the coming weeks, so now is the time to get vaccinated."
Health officials stressed the need for vaccination, especially for health-vulnerable population groups.
The report also found that Covid reporting rates are increasing across all ages and most local health regions. Respiratory syncytial virus infections were also high in children aged 2 to 4 years.
Whooping cough and pneumonia were also highlighted separately, with the highest rates of whooping cough identified in children aged 5 to 14 years.
Reported infection rates between 2022 and 2024 showed a rapid increase.
Pneumonia is also a source of concern to health authorities, especially with the increase in cases of infection in people between the ages of 5 to 16 years.
New South Wales Health said infection from Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria was most likely the cause of the virus.
It highlights the urgent need for vaccinations, especially among vulnerable groups.
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