New Zealand : Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) – Update 198

From New Zealand's Ministry of Health :

" Increasing influenza activity

Influenza activity is beginning to increase significantly and this is reflected in the graph below showing the rates of influenza-like illness in the community. The number of calls to Healthline continues to increase, and last week 22.4% of all calls to Healthline were related to influenza-like illness. This is the highest rate this year, however, it is well below the 35.8% seen at this time last year, just after the peak of the 2009 pandemic wave.

The pandemic influenza strain is the predominant strain circulating this winter. In some areas, particularly those who were not greatly affected last year, are now being hit with high levels of illness in the community.

We are seeing higher levels of hospitalisation in areas that weren't severely affected last year. There have been 58 people admitted to hospital reported in the last week with influenza type illness, bringing the total to 222 admitted to hospital this year.

We know that for most people it's a mild illness, however for some it can be severe, which it's why it's important to seek medical advice early. This is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe illness like pregnant women, young children, those who are severely overweight and people with other significant health problems."