In July, the Hunter New England Health region reported a total of 1161 influenza cases, including 878 influenza A cases and 283 influenza B cases.

It’s by far the worst July on record (data has been collected since 2001), dwarfing the figures from the same time last year when there was only a total of 247 influenza cases.

Across the state there has been more than 11,200 cases in the past month, including 8000 cases that were confirmed in the past week alone. 

Doctors warned people with flu-like symptoms to steer clear of work, nursing homes and avoid visiting patients in hospitals.