Influenza Facts

• Influenza, commonly called ‘the flu’ can be a severe and sometimes life-threatening infection. It causes epidemics every year during the winter months in New Zealand.




• Influenza is caused by a highly contagious virus, 1 in 5 people get influenza every year.




• The influenza virus infects the nose, throat and lungs. The illness comes on suddenly with a fever or chills, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, fatigue, body aches and pains.




• Although most healthy people recover from influenza without complications, some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain medical conditions, are at a high risk of developing serious complications from influenza.




• The influenza virus is easily spread and anyone can catch it – it doesn’t matter how fit and healthy you are. You are never to fit to get hit.




• Influenza immunisation improves your body’s natural immunity.