For some people influenza can lead to complications, hospital admission, and even death. Jim Miller,
Bay of Plenty Medical Officer of Health Rotorua people are being urged to get the flu injection now as authorities predict the flu season to hit this month.
The Ministry of Health said the flu season would come early this year and the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) virus would be the dominant strain.
Bay of Plenty Medical Officer of Health Jim Miller said influenza could begin spreading through the population by the end of this month.
The 2009/2010 winter flu season began several weeks earlier than previous years in the Northern Hemisphere, Mr Miller said.
The 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine, available from GPs, now included protection against three types of flu, including the swine flu.
Dr Miller said Rotorua residents should get their immunisations early because could take up to two weeks to develop immunity after vaccination.
"Influenza is an unpleasant illness for most, putting a stop to the things you enjoy for 10 days or more. For some people, however, influenza can lead to complications, hospital admission, and even death.
"Expectant mothers, young children, adults aged 65 or older and people with medical conditions are most at risk. They should speak to their doctor or nurse now about flu immunisation."
Vaccinations are free from March to the end of June for most people in these groups:
* pregnant women,
* people with an ongoing health condition (like asthma, diabetes, a heart or lung condition, or significantly overweight people),
* people aged 65 years or over,
* young children (aged 6 months to 5 years).
Bay of Plenty medical officer of health Phil Shoemack said there had been no cases of swine flu in Rotorua this summer and it was unlikely people would need to isolate themselves this winter because authorities knew more about swine flu.
For free advice about influenza call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863). Regular updates will be available at www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz.
Early flu season tipped this year
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.