NZers may be caught out by influenza this winter

May 30, 2007

New Zealanders may be caught out by influenza this winter

New Zealanders may be caught out by influenza this winter Health officials are concerned that New Zealanders may be caught out by influenza this winter because the seasonal influenza immunization uptake is slightly lower (about 3 per cent) so far than in 2006. “People may not be thinking about influenza because the weather has been so mild.

- Whatever the reason, it is important that people get their influenza immunisation now because June traditionally sees an upsurge in cases, and it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to induce immunity,” explains virologist and National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG)1 spokesperson, Dr Lance Jennings.

- Influenza immunisation is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - people aged 65 and over and anyone with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease and most cancers. It is only available free until June 30. Dr Jennings says that influenza has arrived in New Zealand. Influenza activity is low with most cases appearing in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay so far.

He says that influenza is a serious and potentially fatal disease, especially for those who are most vulnerable and at high risk of complications. In 2006 there were 652 hospital admissions for influenza in New Zealand, far higher than the 528 admissions in 2005 and 430 in 2004. In 2006 the highest rate of hospitalizations for influenza was among children under 12 months old 2. Dr Jennings says the effectiveness of vaccinating against the influenza virus is well established. For healthy adults under 65, and where there is a good match between the vaccine and the circulating strains, it is usually 70-90 per cent effective in preventing infection. Studies among older patients have shown 53 per cent reductions in pneumonia, 50 per cent fewer hospital admissions with respiratory disease and 68 per cent fewer deaths with immunisation. The influenza vaccine composition for New Zealand in 2007 is:

œ A(H1N1): an A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain (15 ζg HA per dose) œ A(H3N2): an A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like strain (15 ζg HA per dose) œ B: a B/Malaysia/2506/2004-like strain (15 ζg HA per dose) He adds the influenza virus changes each year so annual immunisation is essential for best protection from this serious illness.

“Immunisation is our best protection. Being fit, active and healthy does not protect you against influenza –it's easily spread and anyone can catch it,” explains Dr Jennings.

Background Information on Influenza:

Influenza and ‘the Flu’ are the same thing. It is a potentially serious viral infection – much worse than a cold. The illness can last for weeks, often confines you to bed and can carry the risk of permanent damage or death.

The influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza as the vaccine does not contain any live viruses.

The influenza virus changes each year so it’s important that people are immunised annually to gain protection from the strains most likely to circulate.

Even when you are immunised you should practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection.

- You should cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and then wash your hands.

- You should always use disposable tissues and stay at home when sick.

For further information go to www.influenza.org.nz or www.moh.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

ENDS

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