The northern hemisphere was struck by a virulent strain of the flu this season, which has prompted local health officials to strongly recommend people get the flu vaccine as winter approaches.
The Hawke's Bay DHB was told yesterday that the impact of the flu on the other side of the world led to increased admissions to hospital and intensive care, and that there was a threefold increase in flu-related deaths.
Hawke's Bay DHB infectious disease physician Andrew Burns said this had led to some concerns that New Zealand may also have a bad flu season this year.
"We are particularly keen for folk to take the opportunity to be vaccinated before the season truly starts."
While the vaccine was not a great match for the flu strain in the northern hemisphere, it was expected to be more effective in New Zealand, he said.