Swine flu fears still linger

New Zealand health officials are urging people to remain vigilant against swine flu, despite the World Health Organisation declaring the global pandemic over.
Swine flu, or H1N1 as it is officially known, has been linked to four deaths in New Zealand this winter after being declared a global pandemic last year.
The WHO has declared the swine flu pandemic over, saying the virus has largely run its course and the world is now moving into the post-pandemic period.
The announcement indicates infection levels in most places have returned to those normal for seasonal influenza.
More than 18,000 people worldwide are confirmed to have died from H1N1 infections since the virus emerged in the middle of last year, spreading around the world in six weeks.
It was the first global pandemic to be declared since 1968.
But health officials are reminding people that New Zealand is still seeing a significant level of the disease.
Ministry of Health deputy director of public health Darren Hunt said WHO director-general Margaret Chan recognised that New Zealand was still experiencing the effects of a second wave of swine flu and could not drop its guard.
"In the post-pandemic period, localised outbreaks of different magnitude may show significant levels of H1N1 transmission. This is the situation we are observing right now in New Zealand," Dr Chan says.
Dr Chan also paid tribute to the health authorities in New Zealand in terms of vigilance, quick detection, treatment and recommending vaccination, which provided a model of how other countries might need to respond in the immediate post-pandemic period.
Dr Hunt said New Zealanders still needed to remain vigilant as there had been significant outbreaks of influenza in some areas, which had resulted in high levels of absenteeism from work and school and higher than normal hospital admissions.
"While some countries have seen H1N1 virus decline or crowded out by other strains, this is not the case in New Zealand. The pandemic influenza strain is the predominant strain circulating this winter. Some areas, particularly those who were not greatly affected last year, are now being hit with high levels of illness in the community," he said.
"We are seeing higher levels of hospitalisation in areas that weren't severely affected last year. To date, there has been more than 300 people admitted to hospital this year with confirmed H1N1, which includes over 30 people admitted to intensive care."
For some people, influenza can be a serious illness, which is why it's important to seek medical advice early.
This is particularly important for people at a higher risk of severe illness such as pregnant women, young children, those who are severely overweight and people with other significant health problems.
The Facts

What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu, also referred to as swine flu, is a respiratory disease caused by Type A influenza viruses. Like all influenza viruses, flu viruses change constantly. A new strain of influenza A (H1N1) virus that is a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses has recently been reported that is contagious and spreading from human to human.

What are the signs
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to seasonal human flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue and a runny nose.

Who should I call?
Call your GP or Healthline 0800 611 116.