Rush for jabs as flu like illness shows sharp rise

The number of flu vaccinations doled out in Wairarapa has shot up as residents prepare for the impending flu season, a local health professional says.

Cara Laing, immunisation facilitator at Compass Health, says that, while there have been no cases of flu yet reported locally, immunisations have doubled in number.

The Ministry of Health is reporting a sudden rise in influenza-like illness nationally but says the actual flu season is yet to hit. Public health officials have just released a list of tips for staying well, in a bid to ward off the dreaded lurgy.

"We've given about double the amount of vaccine compared to last year," said Ms Laing.

"It's just getting out there more, more people are getting to know about it."

Ministry figures show vaccinations in Wairarapa have reached 12,060 this year, compared with 9780 at the same time last year.

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research estimates that for every 100,000 GP consultations nationally in the week to June 16, about 14 were "influenza-like illness" rather than the actual flu. That indicates the country is not yet into normal seasonal influenza activity, with experts saying Kiwis often mistake the common cold for the flu.

Early Childhood Council chief executive Peter Reynolds said early promotion of flu vaccination had helped stave off the flu in most preschools this year.

"People are much more conscious of the flu and its effects, and the need to get vaccinated."

It was better to be on the safe side, Mr Reynolds said. "We tend to say to people, 'Look, if you've got the flu, or a head cold or whatever, stay home. Treat it as if you've got the flu and, if it seems to be hanging around, go see your GP."'

Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly said employers now had a good handle on the flu and how to prevent its spread in the workplace.

Larger employers often subsidised flu jabs and the results were showing, with few workers calling in sick.

"We haven't seen any evidence so far that it's causing major issues at work."

Even so, Business New Zealand advised anyone with symptoms to stay at home.

"I'd rather lose one staff member for a week with the flu ... than lose five the next week," Mr O'Reilly said.

The influenza vaccine is free until July 31 for people with certain medical conditions, those aged 65 or over, and for pregnant women. APNZ