I don't know if anyone reading this has had the flu in New ZealNd this winter but I came down with a dose and it sure made me sick . Thankfully modern medicine and Amoxillin solved the problem, but the concern in New Zealand this winter is the increasing numbers of Kiwis are being affected by a flu strain resembling one that caused an epidemic in 1996.
Latest surveillance data show a spike in general practice consultations for influenza-like illness in Auckland and South Canterbury where the A(H3N2)-like virus has been predominant, according to a media release from the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG).
An H3N2 strain of the influenza virus caused an epidemic in 1996 that saw patients waiting in hospital corridors as hospitals couldn't cope (New Zealand Doctor, 11 February 2009).
Free vaccination covering all three flu strains endemic in New Zealand, including A(H3N2), is available to eligible people until 31 July.
