Influenza

Influenza
www.moh.govt.nz/influenza

Influenza is a significant public health issue in New Zealand. Each year it has a large impact on our community, with 10-20% of New Zealanders infected. Some of these people become so ill they need hospital care, and a small number die.

It also has a financial impact, particularly in workplaces, and can potentially overwhelm both primary care and hospital services during winter epidemics.

Seasonal influenza
Read more about seasonal influenza and the influenza vaccination programme.

Pandemic influenza
Pandemic influenza occurs when existing influenza viruses change. People have no natural immunity to such a new virus which can spread rapidly and cause severe illness.

The Ministry of Health, and other Government agencies, are working to ensure New Zealand is as prepared as possible for an influenza pandemic.

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Page last updated 12 August 2005