"People might've been brewing a respiratory illness, were given the vaccine and got sick the next day and blame it on the vaccine. give paracetamol or ibuprofen if they have pain or discomfort in the dose recommended on the package (unless your doctor says otherwise). Kidshealth Unlike other vaccines, which are needed once, with possibly a booster at a later date, the flu shot is needed every year. A 12-year-old and a 62-year-old died from the illness, Counties Manukau District Health Board confirmed to Newshub on Tuesday. This reporter pattern is similar to previous years. Starting in your respiratory tract, the virus carjacks cells, taking them over and then forcing them to replicate more virus cells. gargle a glass of warm water and/or suck sugarless hard sweets or lozenges to help with sore throats, shower or bathe regularly and keep bedding and nightwear clean and dry. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not the viral infections that cause influenza. While influenza vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, influenza is a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths each winter in New Zealand, and thousands of hospital admissions and doctor's visits. This story was originally published on Newsroom.co.nz and is republished with permission. It's often your own fingers responsible for giving you the flu. The vaccine offers protection to infants who would normally be too young (under 6 months) to receive immunisation individually. Wellington's Karori Cemetery, where many who died from the 1918 flu are buried. The battle in your respiratory system between the virus and T cells can be waged too vigorously. When the results were applied to the New Zealand population in 2015, around 1.1 million people (26%) would have been infected with influenza. Phone Healthline (0800 611 116) or your doctor if you are concerned or if you: If clinically indicated, your doctor may recommend antiviral medications. If too much lung tissue is destroyed in the fight, the lungs become incapable of delivering oxygen to blood. * Busy flu season expected to put pressure on health system * Flu kills up to 4000 Americans a week, causing one in 10 deaths * Chart: Cancer is New Zealand's biggest killer (healthed.govt.nz). Baker said these groups add up to around 500 deaths per year in New Zealand, a figure higher than last year’s road toll. The same immunity is shared through breast milk, although not as much as during pregnancy. More often, opportunistic bacteria will infect lungs weakened by influenza. Death rate is per 1,000 of population. Influenza immunisation is free for pregnant women between April and the end of December, but is recommended before winter if possible. 1 She said people seem to think the vaccine should always be 100 per cent effective. The influenza vaccine (also called the flu vaccine) is used to prevent infection caused by the influenza (flu) virus. If you are unwell, stay at home and rest ideally/preferably in a separate, well ventilated room away from other people. Two Aucklanders have died from influenza a month into flu season. Most people who die are over the age of 65, however Baker said Māori and Pacific people were affected at a higher rate at younger ages. What someone suffered from or was vaccinated against last year might not give them immunity to this year's strain. There's another reason too. This is because there are a number of influenza viruses and so far, a vaccine hasn't been made which covers all the various strains. use skin balm or moisturiser to stop your lips from cracking. The list of eligible health conditions is available at the Fight Flu website. While influenza vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, influenza is a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths each winter in New Zealand, and thousands of hospital admissions and doctor's visits. Last year 60,000 were given. A new monitoring system that enables people to help us track flu across New Zealand. If your child will not take fluids or is drowsy, don’t force them. 2,900 more people than expected died during the epidemic period. Unlike other vaccines, which are needed once, with possibly a booster at a later date, the flu shot is needed every year, and unlike other vaccines, its effectiveness rate is lower. Symptoms come on suddenly and you will normally need to rest in bed. Visit the Fight Flu website for facts about immunising against the flu when you are pregnant. Shift is how viruses like swine flu evolved. Fight Flu This increase in T cells causes inflammation like swollen lymph nodes. This is the same for infants, which is why it's important for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated. She puts part of this down to more people knowing they don't need to make a doctor's appointment to get a flu shot as well as increased awareness that getting a flu shot is a way to stay well over winter. However, combine the moustache with a new hair colour, glasses and a hat, and there's a chance the shoplifter will have drifted away enough from their usual appearance to get through. Aspirin should not be given to children under 14 years of age. Key points. While general health affects the severity of an infection, the influenza virus is contagious and anyone can become infected. "If you give it to the mother in pregnancy, the mother will have an immune response to the vaccine. This drift or shift can mean a person can get influenza more than once. Shift and drift sound like terms more likely to be used in car racing discussions than vaccine ones but the terms are related to why the contents of the vaccine changes regularly. The list of eligible health conditions is available at the Fight Flu website. Former New Zealand Secondary School rugby league representative Zae Wallace has died after losing a battle with a serious infection after catching … Health care and other essential workers can also be vaccinated early - employers generally fund this for their staff. Bacterial pneumonia is a common secondary infection. This is expected to reduce the 2019 seasonal vaccine effectiveness for this influenza virus strain. Immunisation Advisory Centre's Nikki Turner said one of the most common reasons she hears for not getting the vaccine is: "I had the flu vaccine, but I got the flu anyway.". The majority of reports in 2019 were submitted by nurses (68.6 percent), followed by GPs (14.9 percent) and pharmacists (9.2 percent). What is the flu vaccine? You shouldn't be dying from influenza in those age groups, but that's where we see really high rates in those Māori and Pacific people.". In temperate climates such as New Zealand’s, you’re more likely to get the flu in winter. Some workplaces also offer a free immunisation programme for staff. A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus. Imagine you are a shopkeeper with photos on your wall of repeat shoplifters you try to keep out of your store. Symptoms of flu, which can come on suddenly, include the following: 1. This makes influenza one of the biggest infectious disease killers in the country. The influenza virus spreads very quickly from person to person through touch as well as through the air. Only registered Māori deaths are listed, and these are not available for some districts. Shahtahmasebi. You can spread the flu to people, including your family/whanau and friends, who are at most risk of complications. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and dry them for 20 seconds – or use an alcohol-based hand rub. As flu season applies pressure to hospital resources around the country, there are concerns two patients may have died after catching influenza at Middlemore Hospital ... 2019. However, this strain is not currently one of the predominant strains circulating in New Zealand. People with circulatory conditions can be affected. The seasonal influenza vaccine is altered most years to cover the particular strains of the virus that are circulating each year. This year, 1.768 million influenza vaccines made for the southern hemisphere were supplied to New Zealand, 400,000 more than were used in 2019. Sarah Wiedersehn. August 21, 2020 – CDC today reported one new seasonal flu-related death in a child that occurred during the 2019-2020 season, bringing the total number of flu deaths in children reported to CDC for last season to 188. care for the child in a separate, well-ventilated room away from other people. Influenza (flu) can sometimes be confused with the common cold, but having the flu is usually much worse than having a cold. Māori populations for counties are inclusive of interior boroughs. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, getting a flu shot won't harm you, but your body might not develop antibodies. Spokesperson Debbie Yardley said the number of people opting to get a walk-in flu jab from their pharmacies has increased since the service was offered. When a baby or child has influenza, it is important to do the following: Saltwater drops (saline) can be used to treat a stuffy nose. New Zealand Influenza Symposium, Wellington, 21 Feb 2019 Sun 7 Jul 2019 23.35 EDT Last modified on Mon 8 Jul 2019 00.36 EDT. New Zealand was hit hard by the pandemic with over 8,500 deaths out of a total population of around 1.15 million, yielding a total mortality rate of 7.7 per 1000. In week nine of 2019, pneumonia and influenza accounted for 7.2% of all the deaths that occurred. Influenza Facts. Improving the population's protection against influenza will improve our ability to manage any increased demand on health services as a result of COVID-19. While influenza vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, influenza is a serious illness that causes hundreds of deaths each winter in New Zealand, and thousands of hospital admissions and doctor's visits. make sure you take medications for any condition to keep them under good control. Published: 27/05/2019Updated: 11 November 2020 4:59 AM. "At the severe end it's a very sudden, quite extreme, illness," Professor Michael Baker said. These are the facts about flu immunisations, and why you should consider the annual flu jab. If a person you are caring for is less responsive than normal, unusually quiet, or confused, you should call a doctor urgently. To date, 1.2 million doses of this season's vaccine have been sold in New Zealand, a similar number to what was sold last year. Deaths from flu 'under-measured' In New Zealand three people have died this season; rugby league player Zae Wallace, 20, and two people in Auckland - a 62-year-old and a 12-year-old. Some people get very sick – influenza causes deaths every year. "Vaccine effectiveness overall comes out at around 50 per cent. The flu spreads quickly from person to person through touch and through the air. If you have an existing medical condition: Can I get a free flu vaccine? The population figures are those of the 1916 census. For more information, phone 0800 Immune (0800 466 863) or visit Fight Flu. • After your child is immunised (HE1504), •After your immunisation ( HE2505) for teenagers and adults, and • Data sheets for AFLURIAImmunise during pregnancy (HE2503) QUAD JUNIORalso available Seek medical advice immediately. The Measles outbreak of 1999 was actually predicted two years prior. That's a coincidental effect.". And of every 171 sick Aucklanders, about 111 of them really do have the flu. Have a plan and be prepared in case you need to stay at home during a pandemic. Doctors fear as many as 4000 Australians could die from the flu this season Sometimes, although not often, it's friendly fire. Other serious conditions can also look like the flu, including meningococcal disease. If you're lucky, you'll feel like you've been hit by a bus, spend an uncomfortable week in bed, and recover. Since 2011, trained pharmacists have also been allowed to administer the vaccine. It is important to contact a doctor, if they have signs of other serious conditions, such as, feel a lot worse, or you are not getting better after a few days, have an existing health condition or are in a, are taking any medication that affects the immune system, are looking after someone with influenza and you are in a, reduce fever by using a damp cloth on your forehead, washing the arms and body with a cool cloth, bathing in slightly warm water. Influenza can be caused by different strains of the influenza virus. Know the danger signs that mean you should seek urgent medical attention (see Symptoms). To meet high demand among those not eligible for funded influenza vaccine, the Ministry of Health and Pharmac have successfully secured a further 360,000 doses of Influvac Tetra (Saison 2019/2020) from the Northern Hemisphere, which will begin distribution from 25 May. Once the influenza virus has gained access to your body via your unwashed fingers, it goes on a Grand Theft Auto-like spree of destruction. If your fingers have touched something a sick person has sneezed or coughed on, chances are - inadvertently - your fingers will end up near your nose, eyes or mouth at some point before you wash them thoroughly. They change their appearance to escape any antibodies which might remember them. Pharmac But we do know that [for] healthy children and healthy adults, it's more like 60 to over 60 per cent effective.". Pregnant women are strongly advised to be immunised as pregnancy places a woman at greater risk of complications from influenza. It is important to drink small amounts of fluids often. Flutracking Published 18 December 2019. Improving the population's protection against influenza will improve our ability to manage any increased demand on health services as a result of COVID-19. For those not eligible for funded influenza vaccination, it costs between $25 and $45 depending on the vaccine and provider. These provided protection against: As at 21 May 2020, over 775,000 eligible people have been vaccinated against influenza. For those who fall outside the free scheme, the shot is easily available for purchase from doctors. A video series about getting protected against the flu. Information about the medicines funded in New Zealand. Director, WHO National Influenza Centre. Your immune system fights back, launching an attacking force of cytokines and chemokines. She has encouraged every one at the Stokes Valley resthome she works in to be immunised after being hospitalised in February. Influenza viruses mutate, in a process called shift and drift. This new shoplifter, with its parents' tricks up its baggy sweatshirt sleeve, would be completely unrecognisable to the shopkeeper. You should get help if your baby or child is: If you have any worries about yourself or someone you are caring for, call Healthline (0800 611 116) for advice or see a doctor, even if you have called or been seen before. It only occurs in influenza A virus. Institute of Environmental Science and Research. Flu in NZ and SHIVERS II update Dr.Sue Huang Principal investigator of SHIVERS, SHIVERS-II. The total death toll for New Zealand is thought to have been about 9000. Many of those people collapse and die suddenly outside of hospital, or perhaps in a rest or nursing home, or maybe in their own home.". For everyone else, influenza vaccination will be available from 27 April 2020. During this process your lungs become collateral damage. Influenza can occasionally cause serious complications and death in young children, elderly people, pregnant women or people with long-term health conditions. Make sure you have contact details for friends/family/neighbours so you can call them if you need help. Look after yourself and your family – rest and fluids are especially important. organising child care if your children need to stay home and you must go to work. In 2016, the pharmacies gave 18,000 vaccinations. Fever and chills 2. Take them as directed. The second and more deadly wave of a new strain of influenza arrived in New Zealand in October 1918. For the 2017-2018 season, 185 pediatric flu deaths were reported. reduce fever by using a damp cloth on their forehead, washing their arms and body with a cool cloth, bathing them in slightly warm water. very young children, especially infants (under 1 year). If you've been recovering from the flu and then get sick again rapidly, see a doctor immediately. READ MORE: * Young league player Zae Wallace dies from infection caused by flu * GP clinics, pharmacies now stocking this year's flu vaccine * Now is the best time to get a flu vaccination * Fighting the flu: Long-time researcher on his 'worthy foe'. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. So far this year three people - two adults and a child - have died from the flu in Auckland. If you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, or have a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease that puts you at greater risk of influenza, you can get vaccinated free at a general practice or vaccinating pharmacy. This leads to suffocation. University of Otago's professor Michael Baker said often there's another way, which isn't always recorded on death certificates. 6 Jun 2019. The 2018 flu vaccine was moderate effective against the flu strain that most circulated this winter. The flu is much more than a common cold and flu-related illnesses cause around 400 deaths a year in New Zealand. The influenza virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. It is especially important to reduce fever if you are pregnant. While the fourth strain (A/H3N2) is not a good match against the expected Southern Hemisphere strains, it may still offer some residual protection. Across the ditch Australia had over 56,000 cases of influenza, with the April level at six times higher than any April on record. 3.1 Deaths from pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 in New Zealand from June to November 2009 4 3.2 Number of intensive care admissions from pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 in New Zealand from June to November 2009 13 3.3 Number of consultations and hospitalisations for pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 / ­ Unfortunately, people are still dying from the flu. Influenza viruses are the disguise artists of the virus world. In New Zealand, flu season occurs in the winter - flu outbreaks can happen as early as April and can last as late as October. Symptoms of influenza come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and stomach upsets. Imagine the shopkeeper's two worst repeat shoplifters had a child. keep the child at home resting until they are well. Protect yourself from the flu – get immunised. While you’re unwell, stay away from work or school. take appropriate medicines to relieve discomfort and fever if necessary. Around 880,000 (80%) of these people were asymptomatic carriers who could have spread the virus among their family, co-workers, classmates and patients without ever realising it. Already this year it's claimed the lives of a 12 year-old, a 20 year-old and a 62 year-old, and reported cases of influenza are sitting at a slightly higher rate than usual. Flu season usually peaks around the beginning of August and the vaccine takes around two weeks to work. The 2009 outbreak is estimated to have killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people. The flu has killed more than 220 people so far this year, and NSW is one of the worst states hit. "They [flu vaccines] are not causing any dangers to the infants at all. A third strain, B/Colorado, is a close relative of B/Washington strain and so likely to provide reasonable protection. If a shoplifter grew a moustache, he would still be easy to recognise and would be ejected. Services and support for you and your child, Release calendar for our Tier 1 statistics, immunising against the flu when you are pregnant, Infectious disease prevention and control, Prepare yourself for an influenza pandemic, pregnant women and women who have just given birth, people with an ongoing health condition (like asthma, diabetes, cancer, a heart or lung condition, and conditions that affect the nervous or immune systems). Baker said these groups add up to around 500 deaths per year in New Zealand, a figure higher than last year's road toll. The catch is how well it will work. When a new (novel) strain of the flu virus emerges that infects many people in a very short time, it is called a ‘flu pandemic’. ... More than 50,000 new influenza vaccine doses coming to … "Shift" is a bigger, bolder change. Currently New Zealand has a publicly funded vaccine which gives protection against the predicted four highest circulating strains for the season.The selection of the strains to immunise against is an annual decision made by a World Health Organisation panel. Green Cross Health owns Unichem and Life Pharmacies. Regular hand-washing is important, but a yearly flu shot is likely to be your best bet to avoid whatever viruses happen to be circulating. The chemokines also create huge numbers of T cells, an elite force of virus-seekers, and kill white blood cells. "Because of the inflammatory effect of influenza infection, it precipitates heart attacks and strokes. 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