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 contagious virus, 1 in 5 people get influenza every year.

• The influenza virus infects the nose, throat and lungs. The illness usually 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 too fit to get hit.

• Influenza immunisation improves your body’s natural immunity.

Influenza Study:  Do You Have Flu? - click here for Flu Study Poster
The Medical Research Institue of New Zealand is conducting a study to investigate the effects of paracetamol on the flu.  It is taking place at the Clinical Trials Unit, Wellington Hospital.

They need 80 subjects aged between 18 to 65 years with onset of an influenza like illness in the past 48 hours who live in the Wellington area.

Treatment with anti-viral medication is provided and you will be reimbursed $250 for time and transport expenses when you complete the study.

For more information please contact:
Dr Sarah Jefferies; Freephone 0800 GOT FLU (0800 468 358)
Email; sarah.jefferies@mrinz.ac.nz