Winter illness strikes - but is it influenza?

June 24, 2013

Winter illness strikes - but is it influenza?

Chilly winter weather appears to have brought with it a sudden rise in influenza-like-illness (ILI) around the country but health experts say the influenza virus is not the main culprit yet.

Latest ESR general practice surveillance data shows a national consultation rate of 14.0 per 100,000 (54 influenza-like-illness consultations) which indicates that we are not yet into normal seasonal influenza activity.

“Thankfully, there is still very little actual influenza circulating in the community, although we are seeing other respiratory viral infections, including common colds, and we know people often mistake them for influenza. They may have some similar symptoms but they’re not the same disease,” comments Dr Lance Jennings, a virologist and spokesperson for the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG). [1]

He says influenza is a serious disease, especially for people with underlying medical conditions. It can make their condition much worse and lead to hospitalisation and even death. Influenza usually has symptoms such as a sudden onset of illness, high fever, headache, a dry cough and illness usually lasts 7-10 days.

“The good news is it’s not too late for eligible New Zealanders to protect themselves with a free flu vaccination – the Government’s subsidised season runs until July 31.”

Dr Jennings says that three types of influenza virus currently in circulation are covered by the 2013 seasonal influenza vaccine.

“Influenza tends to spread more easily in cold, dry air so that’s one reason we see cases rise in winter. Studies have shown that human influenza viruses generally can survive on hard surfaces between two and eight hours so that’s why we stress the importance of good hand hygiene, as well as respiratory hygiene; keeping your distance if you’re sneezing or coughing.”

“Around 1.2 million people have already been vaccinated this year. Approximately 640,000 of those eligible for free vaccination have taken up the offer so far, an increase on the previous year’s uptake. That, however, still leaves many vulnerable people unprotected, and this is a concern as we head into flu season.

“People, especially those at greatest risk from flu complications, should be immunised as soon as possible. Influenza cases traditionally begin to rise sharply at this time of year and it takes up to two weeks to develop immunisation after vaccination.”

Influenza vaccinations are free for New Zealanders until the end of July if you are in one of these groups:

• People aged 65 and over
• Anyone under 65 years of age (including children) with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers
• Pregnant women
• Children aged from six months and up to five years of age who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.

“Contrary to a widely-held myth, you cannot get influenza from the vaccine, as it does not contain any live virus. Unfortunately some people may be incubating a common cold when vaccinated and then develop respiratory symptoms due to a non-influenza virus.”

For free health advice, call Healthline 0800 611 116. For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515.

[1] National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)
NISG was formed in 2000 by the Ministry of Health to increase public awareness of influenza, its seriousness and the importance of immunisation to prevent the disease.

ENDS

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