‘It’s not too late’: Top doctor warns virus peak yet to come

Influenza and RSV cases have risen concerningly this winter, with NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant warning cases have not yet hit their peak.

In an update, Dr Chant said the state had suffered an increase in winter viruses and urged Australians to get vaccinated to protect themselves against serious illness.

“In terms of influenza, we are starting to see an increase,” she said.

“It looks like we might see a peak in early August but this may be delayed because during school holidays we see less activity.”

Dr Chant explained that the best way to protect yourself against serious illness was to get vaccinated ahead of the peak infectious period.

“The key message therefore is that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. If you have been thinking about getting vaccinated and haven’t gotten around to it yet, it’s not too late,” she said.

For needle-hesitant children, two to 17-year-olds are eligible for the nasal spray variation of the influenza vaccine.

“It is a limited supply, so we do urge parents and young people to check ahead,” Dr Chant said.

She said Covid case activity in NSW was “low” and “stable”.

“We may see an uptick, but this really depends on the waning population immunity. But our best guess is that the activity this winter is going to be less than last winter,” Dr Chant said.

Australians over 65 are recommended to take a yearly Covid-19 vaccination and those over 75 are urged to get inoculated biannually.

“RSV activity has actually been high for quite a while and it is pleasing to see that we have had a new vaccine available to older adults,” Dr Chant

Dr Chant explained said that “flu seasons can come early and we’ve seen that in recent years, but they can also come in August or late September”.

NSW Health deputy secretary Matthew Daly said when it comes to infections “we are well and truly in winter”.

He recommended those suffering from a non-acute condition to “call health direct” to help ease the burden on the hospital system and said the rise in cases was “in accordance with the planned expectations”.