Second death linked to swine flu

The death of a 51-year-old North Island man is believed the country's second linked to swine flu this year.

The Ministry of Health said the man had an underlying health condition which was exacerbated by swine flu, or H1N1 virus.

It follows the death of a Bay of Plenty woman from the virus last month.

Health Ministry deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said the tragic death was an unfortunate reminder of the impact the disease could have, as the numbers of people seeing their GP with influenza symptoms slowly rose.

Dr McGrath said vaccination remained the best protection against swine flu, and people should phone for medical advice quickly if feeling sick.

Washing and drying hands frequently, covering for coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick would help stop the spread of the virus, she said.

A survey by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research found about 30 percent of New Zealanders were immune to the virus.

Last year, 35 deaths were associated with or attributed to swine flu.

- NZPA