23/08/2026
🤒 WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT THE FLU? 🦠
If it feels like the flu has suddenly become the topic of every news report, school notice and whānau group chat, there’s a good reason.
Flu activity has increased sharply over the past few weeks, with the latest figures showing:
🏥 Flu-related hospitalisations in Auckland are at their highest level in 10 years
📈 National influenza levels are close to the highest seen in four years and were still rising in the latest surveillance data
📞 Healthline has been receiving around 1,200 to 1,300 calls a day, compared with approximately 1,000 on a typical day
🚑 Hato Hone St John recently experienced its busiest day on record, with seasonal illness contributing to the demand
Influenza A is driving much of the current surge, but RSV and other respiratory illnesses are also adding to the pressure on general practice teams like ours, ambulance services and hospitals.
You can help protect yourself, your whānau and our wider community by:
💉 Getting your flu vaccination if you have not already, as it’s not too late
🏠 Staying home until you are feeling well again
🧼 Washing your hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes
😷 Wearing a mask if you need to be around others while you are unwell
With more patients needing care, things may take a little longer than usual. Thank you for showing our team patience and kindness while they care for everyone who needs our help.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, get in touch with us while we’re open. Our team can assess how you’re feeling and advise on the care you need. Outside our opening hours, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Call 111 if someone has severe or sudden difficulty breathing.
www.bbmedical.co.nz
