Flu jab urged during winter virus ‘surge’
As Covid cases continue, rolling up your sleeve for the flu vaccine is being encouraged to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed with patients.
Nelson Marlborough Health Chief Medical Officer Steve Low said winter viruses were expected to ‘‘surge’’.
He said the flu hadn’t been around the last couple of years due to closed borders, social distancing and mask wearing, so diseases that had been suppressed, including the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could peak this winter.
‘‘It could be quite a problem in the hospitals.
‘‘Because we haven’t had the flu through the country for two years, natural immunity in the community is low, that makes us more at risk this time.’’
It was concerning, especially as nursing staff were still being significantly affected by Covid and it had been hard to attract new staff to vacant positions.
‘‘We would encourage people to have the flu vaccine,’’ he said.
‘‘A bit like Covid, we need everyone to be vaccinated to limit the spread from person to person.’’
The flu vaccine covered four variants which covered off the main
influenza viruses circulating globally.
Low said mortality rate for the flu was about four in every 10,000 cases, resulting in around 500 deaths in New Zealand from the flu annually. Covid mortality figures were much higher at about two in every 1000, he said.
Low said Covid looked to be hitting the endemic phase which was consistent with a certain number of daily cases. ‘‘So the problem is that with that still around, we are likely to get a second wave of Omicron.’’
It wouldn’t be as large as the first wave, he said, due to many being vaccinated or having had the virus, but there could still be 150 daily community cases.
‘‘If you throw in the flu and RSV on top of that, it’s going to put our systems under strain, particularly emergency departments.’’
Flu symptoms are characterised by getting chills and high temperatures with the virus capable of getting into lower airways and lung tissue where pneumonia can develop.
Low said 25% of the population contracted the flu annually, ‘‘but only a small number actually know they’ve got it’’.
Similar to Covid, he said asymptomatic patients could still pass the virus on.
The flu vaccine is free to over 65s, Māori and Pasifika over 55, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.
Those considering getting the flu vaccine should talk to their pharmacist or GP, Low said.
‘‘It’s been under way for a couple of weeks – now is the time to get it.’’
Nelson Bays Primary Health primary care general manager Charlotte Etheridge said figures showed the Nelson region was ‘‘on track nationally’’ with flu vaccines.
About 40% of over 64s had received the jab, and 13% of Māori and Pasifika between 55 and 64, she said.
‘‘We’ve got to be vigilant through the winter months, and making sure we’re as protected as possible.’’