Swine flu has claimed 16 lives this winter, and a further 14
people are fighting it in intensive care units.
Deputy director of public health Darren Hunt said swine flu
numbers appeared to be falling but there was regional
variation, with areas such as Canterbury still experiencing
increased cases.
"The number of calls to Healthline are still higher than
normal, though the number of calls requiring assessment of
influenza-like illness seems to be decreasing," Dr Hunt said.
"It's still important to seek medical advice early,
particularly for people with underlying medical conditions or
who are severely overweight or pregnant, as they are at
greater risk of a more severe illness."
By midday yesterday, 631 people had been hospitalised with
confirmed cases of swine flu.
Pandemic influenza H1N1 is the most common strain circulating
in the community, although most people will not be tested for
it. For many it is a mild to moderate illness, but for some
it can be serious.
Symptoms of influenza can include a high fever, headache,
cough, sore throat, tiredness and aching all over.
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