Simple hygiene influences against influenza

The incidence of influenza, commonly known as flu, is high in the North Island but residents can remain safe from the ailment following a few simple habits, a senior health official has said.

Public Health Director Dr Mark Jacobs said illness resembling influenza and other respiratory problems have been found among a number of residents in recent weeks.

He said about 160 affected persons were admitted to hospitals so far this year.

“The second wave of influenza has been patchy, with some parts of the country witnessing a higher incidence compared to others.

“Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Taranaki District Health Boards (DHBs) have reported higher rates of people hospitalised with influenza pandemic (H1N1) swine flu compared to last year. These DHBs had low hospitalisation rates last year,” he said.

According to him, Waikato, South Canterbury and MidCentral DHBs, which had low rates of influenza last year, were reporting increasing activity in 2010.

Other DHBs with low rates last year were Otago, West Coast, Wairarapa, Whanganui, Nelson, Marlborough and Southland, he said.

“We expect lesser incidence of the ailment in Capital and Coast, Hutt and Tairawhiti DHBs, because these areas were hit hard last year,” Dr Jacobs said.

He said the Public Health Directorate had 15,500 doses of seasonal vaccine in stock.

“People must be vaccinated against influenza and must be aware that it takes up to two weeks for the vaccination to be effective. More than 1.03 million people have been vaccinated this year,” he said.

Dr Jacobs said he and his officials could overemphasise the importance of basic common sense precautions such as regular washing and drying of hands, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home when unwell.