Prolonged Rotorua flu season expected

The flu is rife in Rotorua.

Rotorua residents should prepare for an unusual pattern of influenza developing across the country.

North Islanders fighting the influenza A-strain can expect to face the B-strain which is currently affecting the South Island.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman announced yesterday the influenza immunisation programme will be extended until the end of next month, in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. Both strains are covered by the vaccine.

Toi Te Ora Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack said we would not know until spring when the influenza peak was.

"We always have an increase in influenza during winter months and we have been noticing that throughout the Bay of Plenty and Lakes area. We don't ever know if we reached the peak until rates start going down.

"Most GP clinics and work places will be well aware there is still a significant number of people around with influenza.

"It's always a case of looking back, we won't know until we are past the peak, but generally speaking we get an increase in influenza and the peak can be anywhere from early June, but would normally be sometime around July.

"There will still be a number of people who get sick between now and spring."

Dr Shoemack said the main strains of influenza identified in New Zealand were covered by a vaccine.

"There is a slightly unexpected pattern with the B-strain affecting the South Island, and the expectation is that will flip around and the A-strain will move to the south and the B-strain will move to the north, but influenza is influenza - people won't notice a difference in the illness.

"The only other practical thing people can do to prevent getting infected is practical, everyday things like hand washing, and if a family member gets the symptoms of influenza they should stay home."