The number of NSW residents struck down by influenza or COVID-19 has risen sharply, as health authorities urge people to get their flu jabs before an even bigger upswing in cases.

A mix of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been swirling around the state at the start of flu season, triggering a rise in hospital visits.

The latest NSW Health data, published today, showed about 460 cases of influenza were reported each day in the week to May 18, up from about 288 a day in the previous week.

“It is likely that there will be a substantial increase in influenza over the next few weeks,” the weekly respiratory illnesses surveillance report said.

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There were nearly 500 cases of COVID-19 reported per day last week, rising from about 400 cases each day in the week to May 11. The rise in COVID-19 cases has been accompanied by an increase in emergency department presentations for the illness.

NSW Health has noted the “increasing prevalence” of the JN.1 Omicron variant sub-lineages KP.2 – nicknamed FLiRT due to its spike protein mutations – KP.3, and KW.1.1. The new variants account for more than half of COVID cases in the state.

“The proportion of tested samples that are KP.2 and KP.3 continued to increase this week. The emergence of COVID-19 variants has been associated with new waves of COVID-19 infections, so we continue to closely monitor these trends,” the report said.

NSW Health said there was still a high level of RSV circulating, mostly among children aged two to four, “although there has been some decline in the youngest children and test positivity has started to decline”.

“Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens through simple measures such as, staying home if unwell and wearing a mask if you need to go out, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing.”

The report also shows the number of cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, which plummeted in the pandemic, has already passed the total number of notifications each year in 2018 and 2019.