Currently, New South Wales is experiencing a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, with notifications rising by 9% over the past week, totalling 3,084 cases. In contrast, COVID-19 and influenza cases have remained relatively low, with 1,648 and 1,555 cases reported respectively in the same period. Although there has been a slight increase in COVID-19 and flu cases, the overall numbers remain below those of RSV.
NSW Health’s weekly respiratory surveillance report indicates that both COVID-19 and influenza levels are currently low, yet there are signs of rising influenza activity, marked by consecutive increases in notifications and positive test rates. Emergency department visits and admissions for bronchiolitis in children—a condition often associated with RSV—are also notably high.
To combat these respiratory issues, RSV vaccines are available for vulnerable groups, including infants and certain adults. As the situation evolves, health authorities continue to monitor trends in respiratory illnesses across the state.