Average flu numbers for Whanganui this winter

Whanganui's medical officer of health Patrick O'Connor says Whanganui has had a average flu season.

More than last season but about normal is Dr Patrick O'Connor's assessment of Whanganui's flu season so far.

Whanganui's medical officer of health said cases had been increasing since mid-June but it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"The Whanganui picture has been similar to much of the North Island," Dr O'Connor said.

"There are more cases than last year, which was a particularly quiet influenza season. It looks as though this season will be about average in terms of overall numbers."

Dr O'Connor said the main strain going around was influenza A(H3N2) both nationally and in Whanganui and general practices were reporting many influenza-like illnesses.

"We are aware of an proven outbreak at a rest home, and a likely one at a secondary school, with many cases being unwell for a week or more."

He said influenza vaccine is available free for those aged 65 and over, people with ongoing health problems, and for pregnant women.

"Vaccination has the double benefit of protecting the individual and then reducing the risk of spread to others.

Influenza usually involves fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose and coughs.

It is spread to others by coughing and sneezing, and by direct contact such as via an unwashed and sneezed-on hand.

Advice to those affected is to limit contact with others, protect coughs and sneezes, and wash hands.