Admissions still low in Whanganui for influenza

Although July is usually when flu numbers peak, the Whanganui District Health Board says the number of influenza cases seen in the city is relatively low.

Despite concerns of an influx of serious influenza cases this winter, the Whanganui District Health Board says reports of the flu are still low.

July is usually the time when flu season peaks.

The Government research institute responsible for monitoring flu activity has warned this year's flu season came on the back of a particularly bad winter in the northern hemisphere.

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) said the flu season in the northern hemisphere "was associated with an increase in hospitalisation and numbers of death".

But it's yet to take hold in Whanganui, with the district health board reporting it had seen unseasonably low cases of the flu.

ESR said the picture was much the same for the rest of the country.

But its strategic health intelligence manager, Dr Lisa Oakley, said things could change quite quickly.

"Generally it's this time of year that we start to see flu cases peak. Although the numbers that we are seeing are still low compared to previous years, our surveillance is telling us that they may start to rise soon," Oakley said.

"It's still not too late to get your flu vaccine this year. It's the best protection for you and your family against the flu."

The vaccine for the flu has been updated to counter several strains of influenza found overseas.

The Whanganui DHB said the vaccine was available and would be until the end of the year.