June 24, 2013
Winter illness strikes - but is it influenza?
Chilly winter weather appears to have brought with it a sudden rise in influenza-like-illness (ILI) around the country
but health experts say the influenza virus is not the main culprit yet.
Latest ESR general practice surveillance data shows a national consultation rate of 14.0 per 100,000 (54
influenza-like-illness consultations) which indicates that we are not yet into normal seasonal influenza activity.
“Thankfully, there is still very little actual influenza circulating in the community, although we are seeing other
respiratory viral infections, including common colds, and we know people often mistake them for influenza. They may have
some similar symptoms but they’re not the same disease,” comments Dr Lance Jennings, a virologist and spokesperson for
the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG). [1]
He says influenza is a serious disease, especially for people with underlying medical conditions. It can make their
condition much worse and lead to hospitalisation and even death. Influenza usually has symptoms such as a sudden onset
of illness, high fever, headache, a dry cough and illness usually lasts 7-10 days.
“The good news is it’s not too late for eligible New Zealanders to protect themselves with a free flu vaccination – the
Government’s subsidised season runs until July 31.”
Dr Jennings says that three types of influenza virus currently in circulation are covered by the 2013 seasonal influenza
vaccine.
“Influenza tends to spread more easily in cold, dry air so that’s one reason we see cases rise in winter. Studies have
shown that human influenza viruses generally can survive on hard surfaces between two and eight hours so that’s why we
stress the importance of good hand hygiene, as well as respiratory hygiene; keeping your distance if you’re sneezing or
coughing.”
“Around 1.2 million people have already been vaccinated this year. Approximately 640,000 of those eligible for free
vaccination have taken up the offer so far, an increase on the previous year’s uptake. That, however, still leaves many
vulnerable people unprotected, and this is a concern as we head into flu season.
“People, especially those at greatest risk from flu complications, should be immunised as soon as possible. Influenza
cases traditionally begin to rise sharply at this time of year and it takes up to two weeks to develop immunisation
after vaccination.”
Influenza vaccinations are free for New Zealanders until the end of July if you are in one of these groups:
• People aged 65 and over
• Anyone under 65 years of age (including children) with long-term health conditions such as heart disease,
stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers
• Pregnant women
• Children aged from six months and up to five years of age who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or
have a history of significant respiratory illness.
“Contrary to a widely-held myth, you cannot get influenza from the vaccine, as it does not contain any live virus.
Unfortunately some people may be incubating a common cold when vaccinated and then develop respiratory symptoms due to a
non-influenza virus.”
For free health advice, call Healthline 0800 611 116. For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515.
Influenza SymptomsCold SymptomsSudden onset of illness. Moderate to severe illness lasting 7-10 daysMild illnessFever (usually high)Mild feverHeadache (may be severe)Mild headache (congested sinuses)Dry cough may become moistSometimes a coughMuscle achesMuscle aches uncommonShiveringA runny noseBed rest necessaryCan suffer severe complications (e.g. pneumonia)
[1] National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 by the Ministry of Health to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the
importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.
ENDS