Influenza vaccinations recommended as cases of respiratory illness rise across Australia

Of the nearly 58,000 cases recorded across the country, 30% occurred over the last fortnightly reporting period

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A range of respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Australia as the colder weather hits, with the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza in particular steeply increasing.

The latest Australian influenza surveillance report shows that in the fortnight to 28 May almost all jurisdictions saw a rise in respiratory illnesses. Of the 57,816 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported to the government this year, 30% were recorded in the latest fortnightly reporting period. The proportion of people taking time off work also increased, the report said.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup