02/09/2026
Kia ora
There is currently a significant increase in influenza illness across Aotearoa New Zealand. Influenza activity has risen rapidly in recent weeks following a later-than-usual start to the 2026 flu season. Health services are experiencing increased pressure from people with influenza and other respiratory infections. The current increase is being driven predominantly by influenza A, and health experts are warning that high levels of flu may continue into early spring.
This means it is particularly important at this time to protect yourself, your whānau and people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Flu often starts suddenly and can make you feel significantly unwell.
Common symptoms include:
Fever or feeling hot and shivery
Chills
Cough, often a dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Headache
Muscle and joint aches
Marked tiredness and weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in children
Flu can cause more serious illness in some people, including pneumonia and other complications.
Remember that influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can cause similar symptoms. If you have respiratory symptoms, consider whether you need a COVID-19 test and take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading infection.
It is NOT too late to get your flu vaccine
If you have not had your 2026 influenza vaccination, it is still worthwhile getting vaccinated now.
Health New Zealand is specifically encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get their flu vaccine because influenza is continuing to circulate at high levels and the season may extend into spring. The vaccine takes around two weeks to build protection, so getting vaccinated now can still provide important protection during the remainder of the flu season.
Flu vaccination is particularly important for people at increased risk of complications, including older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with certain long-term health conditions.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, please ask us
If you have flu symptoms
If you are unwell with flu or another respiratory infection:
Stay home and avoid close contact with other people while you are unwell.
Avoid visiting elderly people, babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Get plenty of rest.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
Keep rooms well ventilated by opening windows where practical.
Wear a well-fitting mask if you need to leave home or attend a healthcare appointment.
Wearing a mask can help reduce transmission
Influenza spreads easily through respiratory droplets and particles when people cough, sneeze, talk or breathe.
During the current period of high influenza activity, wearing a well-fitting mask can help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
If you are sick and must leave home, a well-fitting mask is especially important. Please wear one when attending a GP practice, Medical Centre, Pharmacy or Hospital.
What is the best treatment for flu?
For most otherwise healthy people, influenza can be managed at home.
Rest and fluids
Rest as much as possible and give your body time to recover.
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly if you have a fever. Small, frequent amounts may be easier to manage if you feel nauseated.
Treating fever and aches
Paracetamol can be used to relieve fever, headaches and muscle aches when appropriate.
Ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medicine may also be suitable for some people, but it is not appropriate for everyone. Follow the instructions on the medicine packaging and ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure.
Be careful not to take multiple cold and flu products containing paracetamol at the same time, as this can result in taking too much paracetamol.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza
Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the flu.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if a healthcare professional believes you have developed a bacterial infection or complication.
Antiviral treatment
Some people at higher risk of serious influenza illness may benefit from antiviral medication.
If you are pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised, have significant long-term health conditions, or are otherwise at increased risk of complications, contact your healthcare provider early if you develop flu symptoms. Your clinician can assess whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
When should I contact a healthcare professional?
You can contact Healthline on 0800 611 116, free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for advice about your symptoms and whether you need to see a healthcare professional.
Contact your GP, healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 if:
You are becoming increasingly unwell.
Your symptoms are severe or are not improving.
You are having difficulty drinking or keeping fluids down.
You have signs of dehydration.
You are pregnant and develop flu symptoms.
You have a significant long-term health condition and develop flu symptoms.
You have a weakened immune system.
You are concerned about a baby, young child, older person or someone otherwise at higher risk of complications.
Seek urgent medical attention
Call 111 or seek emergency medical care if you develop:
Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Severe weakness, collapse or fainting
Confusion or difficulty staying awake
Severe dehydration or very little urine
A significant or rapidly worsening deterioration
Any other symptoms that make you concerned that you or someone else is seriously unwell
Help protect your whānau and our health services
With influenza currently circulating at high levels, every person can help reduce transmission.
Please:
Get your 2026 flu vaccine if you have not already done so.
Stay home when you are sick.
Wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around others while unwell.
Improve ventilation indoors.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid close contact with people who are vulnerable to severe illness.
Seek medical advice early if you are at higher risk or your symptoms are worsening.
If you are unwell, please help us protect other patients
If you need to attend our medical centre while experiencing cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose or other flu-like symptoms, please wear a mask and let reception know when you arrive.
This helps protect our patients, staff and whānau — particularly those who are vulnerable to serious respiratory infections.
Influenza is currently spreading widely in New Zealand, but there are effective ways we can reduce its impact. Vaccination, staying home when unwell, good ventilation and wearing masks can all help.
This information is general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.
Team Medical
