Media release from the Ministry of Health

We continue to see some signs of a gradual increase in influenza activity, however, overall the level of influenza activity in New Zealand is at a level similar to this time last year, and the number of people visiting a GP with influenza-like illness remains below baseline levels.  Over the past week there was a slight increase in the number of people calling Healthline for advice on influenza-like illness.

As we head into winter, it's timely to remember that we can all help reduce the spread of influenza and colds by washing and drying hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home from work or school if you are sick. Also, if you or your family are ill and you are concerned, or if your condition worsens, get health advice early by calling your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Influenza immunisation is especially recommended for those at greatest risk of complications from pandemic influenza, including women who are pregnant or recently pregnant, very young children, severely overweight people and those with underlying medical conditions. Immunisation is free for eligible groups of people.

If you haven't yet been immunised, it's important to get the vaccine as early as possible, as it takes a up to a fortnight for the vaccine to offer its full level of protection. Young children also need a longer time as they require two doses a month apart to be assured of best protection.


Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

Week 21: 24 May - 31 May   


*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.

Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2010/20


The international picture

As reported by WHO on 21 May 2010, the most active areas of pandemic virus transmission are in parts of the Carribean and Southeast Asia.  In the temperate zone of the northern and southern hemisphere, overall pandemic influenza activity remains low to sporadic.  Since the pandemic began in April 2009, almost all countries have experienced outbreaks of pandemic influenza and over 18,097 laboratory-confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide. The WHO is continuing to actively monitor the progress of the pandemic.   

For the WHO's latest updates on the global pandemic, check  their website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/