Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu Update 162
25 November 2009
Media Release
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 162
The situation in New Zealand essentially remains the same since the last update on 18 November 2009. Influenza activity, as indicated by the number of visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI), continues to be low.
Weekly
consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New
Zealand, 2007-2009

Click to enlarge
Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update
Whilst there is presently little influenza activity in New Zealand, it's important that we do not lose sight of the basic hygiene that helps reduce the spread of the virus - regularly washing and drying hands, staying away from others if sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.
People should still remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of influenza. If the ill person's condition worsens, or they are in a high-risk group, they should seek health advice straight away by phoning Healthline (0800 611 116) or their healthcare provider. Free health advice is available on Healthline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The risk factors for severe disease include being pregnant or severely obese, having underlying medical conditions such as chronic respiratory, heart and liver disease, blood disorders, neurological conditions, or being immuno-suppressed.
International
situation
The World Health Organization’s latest update on 20 November 2009 reported the continuing spread of the pandemic influenza virus worldwide. Over 526,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza and at least 6770 deaths have been reported.
Transmission of
the pandemic influenza virus continues to intensify across
parts of North America and much of Europe. In central and
western Asia, increases in ILI or acute respiratory
infections continue to be reported in several countries.
Further information on the global spread of the pandemic
influenza is available on the WHO website:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_11_20a/en/index.html
WHO estimates around 80 million
doses of pandemic vaccine have been distributed and around
65 million people have been vaccinated. Although intense
monitoring of vaccine safety continues, WHO cites that all
data compiled to date indicate that pandemic vaccines match
the safety profile of seasonal influenza vaccines, which
have been used for more than 60 years. More information on
the safety of pandemic vaccines is available on the WHO
website:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/briefing_20091119/en/index.html.
ENDS
Please attribute this statement to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.
For health information and advice, call Healthline
0800 611 116.
For latest updates on Pandemic Influenza
(H1N1) Swine Flu, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz.
Follow
us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/minhealthnz.