Flu-like illness doubled in Hawke’s Bay

14 July 2015

Flu-like illness doubled in Hawke’s Bay

There is a significant increase of influenza like illness in the Hawke’s Bay community, and doctors are urging people, especially pregnant women and those with a chronic illness to make sure they have had the influenza vaccine.

The weekly rate of influenza like illness reported last week by general practice has nearly doubled compared to the previous week.

Taradale GP, and Chief Medical Officer primary care for the district health board, Mark Peterson said there had been a big increase in respiratory illness in the community. “If anyone who had a chronic respiratory condition and hadn’t had the influenza vaccine – now was the time to do it.” The vaccine is available free for many people with chronic illnesses until the end of July, he said.

Hawke’s Bay Hospital was also busy Chief Medical Officer John Gommans said. Shortness of breath and chest infections were the lead causes of hospital presentations and admissions over the past week, particularly in the elderly.

Dr Gommans said anyone who was sick should see their family doctor before they were so sick they needed hospital care. “We have seen a big increase in flu-like illness over the past couple of weeks particularly amongst the elderly, and getting to see a doctor early can make a big difference in preventing serious illness.”

Influenza is highly contagious and people with flu can spread it to others up to two metres away, and many people can spread it even before they have developed symptoms. Pregnant women are also more at risk and the vaccine is funded in New Zealand for pregnant women and is highly effective in preventing influenza and its complications in women and for a short time after birth, her baby.

Dr Gommans said making sure you had the influenza vaccine and seeing your family doctor early if you were sick, were two of the best ways to prevent becoming seriously ill.
If you feel unwell you can help reduce the spread of the virus by:
• Staying at home if you are unwell.
• Covering your cough or sneeze using disposable tissues.
• Regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, and then dry your hands with a clean dry towel or paper towel.
• Contact your GP or local medical centre to get the influenza vaccine.
* Further information on general hygiene and influenza can be found at: 0800 Immune (0800 466 863) or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
ENDS

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