In an update late on Tuesday, SA Health said the number of flu hospitalisations from January 1 to July 9 stood at 822 – up from 699 reported on July 5.

The number of influenza cases recorded in the week to July 12 rose to 1223, up from 1096 the week prior.

It brings the state’s total number of flu cases this year to 8561.

The figure is well above just the 16 flu cases reported at this time last year and 1563 in 2020, although well below the 21,014 recorded by July 12, 2019.

The state government has invested $700,000 to expand the operations four respiratory clinics to keep people with flu symptoms out of emergency departments amid severe pressure on the hospital system.

The free flu vaccination program has also been extended until the end of July. It was previously due to conclude at the end of June.

Another 12,334 people came forward for a flu jab last week, bringing the total number of South Australians vaccinated against the flu to 828,401.