A spike in the number of people being hospitalised for influenza has prompted Hawke’s Bay health officials to urge people to take flu symptoms seriously.
There were 33 people in Hawke’s Bay Hospital with influenza as of Friday, which included three pregnant woman and one person in intensive care. Another 14 people had also been hospitalised with Covid-19.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Nick Jones strongly encouraged people to get their flu jab to avoid becoming very unwell and potentially needing hospital-level care this winter.
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Hawke’s Bay Hospital has seen an increase in the number of people hospitalised with influenza, up to 33 on Friday, including one person in intensive care. (File photo)
“The flu jab is available now at your GP, pharmacy or hauora provider and is free for pregnant women, Māori and Pasifika people aged 55 and over, everyone 65 and over and people with long-term medical conditions and children who have been in hospital with respiratory illness such as asthma,” Jones said.
While winter is usually a busy time for healthcare providers this season was already looking to be especially challenging with a high number of influenza patients needing hospitalisation.
Jones said the three pregnant women in hospital highlighted the much higher risks of flu complications for mothers and their babies. “It is especially important pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions get their free flu jab as they are more likely to become seriously ill from influenza.”
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Hawkes Bay DHB’s medical officer of health Dr Nick Jones is urging people to get a flu jab. (File photo)
He said symptoms could “come on suddenly” and could keep people in bed for a week or more. “It can give you pneumonia and in severe cases means a hospital stay, or even death.”
Most people with either Covid-19, influenza or other respiratory illnesses would be able to manage at home by resting, keeping up their fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, Jones said.
With Covid-19 also still circulating widely in the community, and with the re-opening of the borders, he said it was possible other Covid-19 variants would emerge.
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Coronavirus is transmitted by droplets, often from the lung and sent by coughing or sneezing.
The first community case of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1, without a clear link to the border, was reported in Hawke’s Bay on May 25 from a test result returned on May 10.
Jones encouraged people to get their booster, stay home if unwell, test for Covid-19 and report all RAT results. “If the RAT is negative but you still feel unwell it might be flu so don’t ignore it.”
- People can call Healthline for free 24/7 on 0800-611-116 to speak with a registered nurse or call your GP for a telephone consultation. If you are struggling to breathe or it’s an emergency call 111.
