Influenza A circulating in Taranaki

10 July 2012

Taranaki people suffering from influenza like illness is on the rise, said Taranaki DHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Greg Simmons.

General practice data at 1 July 2012 shows that the rate of influenza-like-illness had increased to 42 per 100,000 in Taranaki, above the national average of 37 per 100,000.

This compared to a rate for Taranaki of just 10 cases per 100,000 in the previous week (ending 24 June 2012).

“In the last two weeks 9 cases of Influenza A infection have been confirmed on testing in Taranaki and primary care (GPs) is reporting an increase in patients with influenza like illnesses, said Dr Simmons.

“Immunisation against influenza provides the best protection from influenza infection. While it takes up to two weeks to develop immunity following influenza immunisation it is still not too late to receive it,” he said.

“There are also some other ways to protect yourself and those around you from influenza:

• Covering your coughs and sneezes
• Washing and drying your hands thoroughly and regularly
• Staying away from people who are sick with influenza-like illness
• Staying away from work or school if you’re unwell

Dr Simmons says “people in the community who are pregnant, aged 65 and over, and people of any age with ongoing health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers, are at higher risk of more severe influenza and its complications. These groups are eligible for free influenza immunisation, but only until July 31.”

For further information go to:
www.fightflu.co.nz or www.health.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

Or call:
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Download the Influenza poster here

Last updated: Tuesday, July 10, 2012