NZ Swine flu

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   New Zealanders are being urged to get their flu vaccinations, after several people were admitted to intensive care in Hawke's Bay in the past month with suspected swine flu.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board has confirmed eight people have required intensive care treatment after falling ill with flu-like symptoms since the end of February.

H1N1, or swine flu, has not been confirmed in all cases. However, it is suspected to be the cause.

"It's unusual to see flu at this time of the year," a Hawkes Bay DHB spokeswoman told NZ Newswire.

"Despite the summer-feel in Hawke's Bay the flu is circulating."

The DHB is warning people to get immunised early, particularly those in high risk categories including pregnant women, the elderly and those with serious illnesses.

The actual number of cases of H1N1 is unknown, but it is expected to be much higher than the number requiring intensive care treatment.

"There are more people who have presented obviously to the emergency department, and there are more people out in the community feeling sick," the spokeswoman said.

No one has died in the current outbreak, but one person remains in intensive care.

H1N1 has been included in the New Zealand influenza vaccination since 2009 and is free for over-65s and those in high risk groups.
The Ministry of Health's website details instructions of how to prepare for an influenza pandemic, including keeping a week's supply of food and medicines on hand.  http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/22152851/hawkes-bay-hit-by-swine-flu-outbreak/

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kiwi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Valued Member Joined: February 19 2006 Location: New Zealand Status: Offline Points: 51	Post Options Post Reply Quote kiwi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: NZ Swine flu Posted: March 24 2014 at 4:54pm
	New Zealanders are being urged to get their flu vaccinations, after several people were admitted to intensive care in Hawke's Bay in the past month with suspected swine flu. Hawke's Bay District Health Board has confirmed eight people have required intensive care treatment after falling ill with flu-like symptoms since the end of February. H1N1, or swine flu, has not been confirmed in all cases. However, it is suspected to be the cause. "It's unusual to see flu at this time of the year," a Hawkes Bay DHB spokeswoman told NZ Newswire. "Despite the summer-feel in Hawke's Bay the flu is circulating." The DHB is warning people to get immunised early, particularly those in high risk categories including pregnant women, the elderly and those with serious illnesses. The actual number of cases of H1N1 is unknown, but it is expected to be much higher than the number requiring intensive care treatment. "There are more people who have presented obviously to the emergency department, and there are more people out in the community feeling sick," the spokeswoman said. No one has died in the current outbreak, but one person remains in intensive care. H1N1 has been included in the New Zealand influenza vaccination since 2009 and is free for over-65s and those in high risk groups. The Ministry of Health's website details instructions of how to prepare for an influenza pandemic, including keeping a week's supply of food and medicines on hand. http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/22152851/hawkes-bay-hit-by-swine-flu-outbreak/