In New Zealand, flu season occurs in the winter - flu outbreaks can happen as early as April and can last as late as October. There have been 57 flu-related deaths in the … Find statistics about the number of births and deaths registered in New Zealand each year. In temperate climates such as New Zealand’s, you’re more likely to get the flu in winter. You shouldn't be dying from influenza in those age groups, but that's where we see really high rates in those Māori and Pacific people.". Sarah Wiedersehn. The seasonal influenza vaccine is altered most years to cover the particular strains of the virus that are circulating each year. The population figures are those of the 1916 census. Some people get very sick – influenza causes deaths every year. Influenza viruses are the disguise artists of the virus world. When the results were applied to the New Zealand population in 2015, around 1.1 million people (26%) would have been infected with influenza. This reporter pattern is similar to previous years. Health care and other essential workers can also be vaccinated early - employers generally fund this for their staff. If you’re at higher risk, it is important to see your doctor early, to find out if you need treatment. This makes influenza one of the biggest infectious disease killers in the country. a high fever that doesn’t come down, especially if you are pregnant, purple or bluish discolouration of your lips, skin, fingers or toes, signs of other serious conditions, such as, severely irritable, not wanting to be held, if a baby has dry nappies or no tears when they are crying, it means they are dehydrated. who could look after your extended family if they don’t live nearby (eg, who could deliver groceries or meals to sick family members). She puts part of this down to more people knowing they don't need to make a doctor's appointment to get a flu shot as well as increased awareness that getting a flu shot is a way to stay well over winter. So far this year three people - two adults and a child - have died from the flu in Auckland. Symptoms of influenza come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and stomach upsets. Imagine you are a shopkeeper with photos on your wall of repeat shoplifters you try to keep out of your store. Influenza – or the flu – is a virus that spreads quickly from person to person. If you've been recovering from the flu and then get sick again rapidly, see a doctor immediately. gargle a glass of warm water and/or suck sugarless hard sweets or lozenges to help with sore throats, shower or bathe regularly and keep bedding and nightwear clean and dry. If your child will not take fluids or is drowsy, don’t force them. Flu activity is high in 19 states, and this flu season, 13 children have died from the flu. Influenza immunisation is free for pregnant women between April and the end of December, but is recommended before winter if possible. "You don't want anybody dying of influenza, but you don't want people dying in that late middle-age period of 45 to 70. "They [flu vaccines] are not causing any dangers to the infants at all. The second and more deadly wave of a new strain of influenza arrived in New Zealand in October 1918. However, this strain is not currently one of the predominant strains circulating in New Zealand. The influenza vaccine (also called the flu vaccine) is used to prevent infection caused by the influenza (flu) virus. Baker said these groups add up to around 500 deaths per year in New Zealand, a figure higher than last year's road toll. Influenza can be caused by different strains of the influenza virus. The influenza virus spreads very quickly from person to person through touch as well as through the air. Improving the population's protection against influenza will improve our ability to manage any increased demand on health services as a result of COVID-19. ... More than 50,000 new influenza vaccine doses coming to … When a new (novel) strain of the flu virus emerges that infects many people in a very short time, it is called a ‘flu pandemic’. Kidshealth "At the severe end it's a very sudden, quite extreme, illness," Professor Michael Baker said. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not the viral infections that cause influenza. Spokesperson Debbie Yardley said the number of people opting to get a walk-in flu jab from their pharmacies has increased since the service was offered. Former New Zealand Secondary School rugby league representative Zae Wallace has died after losing a battle with a serious infection after catching … Most people who die are over the age of 65, however Baker said Māori and Pacific people were affected at a higher rate at younger ages. Vaccines are free for pregnant women, those over 65 years and under 65 with certain medical conditions. Deaths from flu 'under-measured' In New Zealand three people have died this season; rugby league player Zae Wallace, 20, and two people in Auckland - a 62-year-old and a 12-year-old. Influenza can occasionally cause serious complications and death in young children, elderly people, pregnant women or people with long-term health conditions. 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Symptoms of flu, which can come on suddenly, include the following: 1. When a baby or child has influenza, it is important to do the following: Saltwater drops (saline) can be used to treat a stuffy nose. Director, WHO National Influenza Centre. Shift and drift sound like terms more likely to be used in car racing discussions than vaccine ones but the terms are related to why the contents of the vaccine changes regularly. You can spread the flu to people, including your family/whanau and friends, who are at most risk of complications. Fever and chills 2. Unfortunately, people are still dying from the flu. 7:53 pm on 6 June 2019. A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus. As part of its response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health is prioritising vaccination of those at greatest risk of influenza in 2020. The catch is how well it will work. Regular hand-washing is important, but a yearly flu shot is likely to be your best bet to avoid whatever viruses happen to be circulating. Take them as directed. Since 2011, trained pharmacists have also been allowed to administer the vaccine. Across the ditch Australia had over 56,000 cases of influenza, with the April level at six times higher than any April on record. Have a plan and be prepared in case you need to stay at home during a pandemic. Region: Northland; Auckland Two Aucklanders have died from influenza a month into flu season. She has encouraged every one at the Stokes Valley resthome she works in to be immunised after being hospitalised in February. take appropriate medicines to relieve discomfort and fever if necessary. Protect yourself from the flu – get immunised. It only occurs in influenza A virus. Parents urged to vaccinate children against flu. For those not eligible for funded influenza vaccination, it costs between $25 and $45 depending on the vaccine and provider. People at higher risk of developing complications if they get influenza include: People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain chronic conditions and young children with a history of severe respiratory illness are eligible for free influenza immunisation – the list of eligible health conditions is available at the Fight Flu website. For the 2017-2018 season, 185 pediatric flu deaths were reported. 07/07/2019. Influenza Facts. Baker said these groups add up to around 500 deaths per year in New Zealand, a figure higher than last year's road toll. give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they have pain or discomfort in the dose recommended on the package (unless your doctor says otherwise). "Because of the inflammatory effect of influenza infection, it precipitates heart attacks and strokes. While general health affects the severity of an infection, the influenza virus is contagious and anyone can become infected. The list of eligible health conditions is available at the Fight Flu website. Safe Travel website A video series about getting protected against the flu. Other serious conditions can also look like the flu, including meningococcal disease. Imagine the shopkeeper's two worst repeat shoplifters had a child. As part of its response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health is prioritising vaccination of those at greatest risk of influenza in 2020. As part of its response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health is prioritising vaccination of those at greatest risk of influenza in 2020. Older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. While influenza vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, influenza is a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths each winter in New Zealand, and thousands of hospital admissions and doctor's visits. This is because there are a number of influenza viruses and so far, a vaccine hasn't been made which covers all the various strains. READ MORE: * Young league player Zae Wallace dies from infection caused by flu * GP clinics, pharmacies now stocking this year's flu vaccine * Now is the best time to get a flu vaccination * Fighting the flu: Long-time researcher on his 'worthy foe'. It is important to contact a doctor, if they have signs of other serious conditions, such as, feel a lot worse, or you are not getting better after a few days, have an existing health condition or are in a, are taking any medication that affects the immune system, are looking after someone with influenza and you are in a, reduce fever by using a damp cloth on your forehead, washing the arms and body with a cool cloth, bathing in slightly warm water. It is also important to let your doctor know if you were starting to feel better, then get worse. Last year 60,000 were given. Look out for signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, and not passing urine regularly. What crosses across the placenta are the mother's natural antibodies into the baby. Symptoms include fever, chills, aches, runny nose, a cough and stomach upset. These tables contain provisional information on the underlying causes of all deaths registered in New Zealand in 2017. What's circulating this year may be a different virus, or it could be last year's strain has drifted or shifted beyond what the body can recognise. "This is not a live vaccine. Pregnant women are strongly advised to be immunised as pregnancy places a woman at greater risk of complications from influenza. Unlike other vaccines, which are needed once, with possibly a booster at a later date, the flu shot is needed every year, and unlike other vaccines, its effectiveness rate is lower. It is important to drink small amounts of fluids often. For those who fall outside the free scheme, the shot is easily available for purchase from doctors. Already this year it's claimed the lives of a 12 year-old, a 20 year-old and a 62 year-old, and reported cases of influenza are sitting at a slightly higher rate than usual. (healthed.govt.nz). And of every 171 sick Aucklanders, about 111 of them really do have the flu. This is expected to reduce the 2019 seasonal vaccine effectiveness for this influenza virus strain. Seek medical advice immediately. This matches the highest recorded number for pediatric flu deaths reported during a regular flu season, which occurred during the 2017-2018 flu season. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Your immune system fights back, launching an attacking force of cytokines and chemokines. Flu in NZ and SHIVERS II update Dr.Sue Huang Principal investigator of SHIVERS, SHIVERS-II. New Zealand Influenza Symposium, Wellington, 21 Feb 2019 The 2019–2020 New Zealand measles outbreak refers to an ongoing epidemic affecting New Zealand, though primarily in the Auckland region. Albert Redmore ... A 13-year old girl has died just days after coming down with flu-like symptoms. "Vaccine effectiveness overall comes out at around 50 per cent. Key points. The flu has killed more than 220 people so far this year, and NSW is one of the worst states hit. 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