Health experts are warning winter viruses are yet to peak, with children back in classrooms expected to drive another wave of infections.

Now, one of the country’s most familiar faces is leading a push to make sure older Australians are prepared.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Winter virus cases climb as experts warn peak ahead

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Two-time Gold Logie-winning actress Georgie Parker — known for her roles in A Country Practice, All Saints, and Home and Away — has taken on a different role urging older Australians to take winter viruses seriously, especially respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

“I think a lot of people have heard of it, but they don’t realise how contagious it is,” Parker told 7NEWS.

“It’s something that can really hit some people very hard.”

Sarah Waters, 53, caught the virus, saying it started mild before turning into pneumonia within days.

Her coughs became so violent, she fractured a rib.

“I just felt absolutely dreadful. I’ve never felt so sick in my life,” Waters said.

There has been 200,000 flu, RSV and COVID cases this year. Credit: 7NEWS

Respiratory virus cases are steadily climbing, with 200,000 confirmed cases of flu, RSV and COVID so far this year.

The most cases have been recorded in New South Wales and Queensland.

Hospitals are not under significant pressure yet, but experts say the busiest weeks are still ahead.

“We haven’t hit the peak yet. We are on the upward incline,” UNSW social scientist Professor Holly Seale told 7NEWS.

“Schools have just gone back again this week, and so we may see a shift.

“We still need to be talking about getting vaccinated.”

Vaccination rates have fallen in recent years and experts say it is leaving too many Australians unprotected.

They want more jabs to be made free before the peak arrives.

“Just being aware of what it is and how you can best look after yourself,” Parker said.