Respiratory illnesses like influenza are expected to peak earlier this year

ESR National Influenza Centre Virologist Sue Huang says it's due to a mix of people's behaviour post-covid and changes to people's immunity.

Huang says the lockdowns prevented the mingling of other viruses apart from Covid-19.

She says the early spike should serve as a warning.

Huang says elderly people and those with underlying conditions should get the flu vaccine.