Flu Season

EACH year a different strain of flu develops and being in the southern hemisphere we have the advantage of benefiting from the new vaccine created to fight it, before it really hits our shores, explains Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri’s Registered Nurse Ruth Wheatley.

This is one of the reasons why every year it’s important for whānau to be vigilant and make sure getting the flu jab is an annual routine for them.

Around 1 in every 4 New Zealander’s are infected with the influenza virus each year. Many people won’t feel sick at all but can still pass it on to others.

Influenza, what we often call the flu, can be a serious illness and in some cases can turn fatal. It can lead to being hospitalized and affect all age groups, though our elderly and those with existing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes can experience worse symptoms than the rest of the population.

FREE FOR THOSE AT HIGHEST RISK

The vaccine is especially important for people at risk of serious complications from the flu including;

• People with ongoing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or a heart or lung condition,
• People aged 65 years or over,
• pregnant women (any trimester).

If you wish to protect you and your whānau from the flu and get vaccinated, or want more information call us on 06 835 1840 and ask to speak to one of our nurses.

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