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Download AudioNew Zealand has been returning to normal as it keeps Covid-19 at bay – and that also means a return to the normal winter ailments.
Dr Rawiri Jansen from the Māori pandemic response group Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā says last year's lockdowns and people staying at home in their bubbles meant very little transmission of influenza and other respiratory diseases.
But GP clinics and hospitals notice a big difference this year.
"At least one of the paediatricians was saying they are noticing that the bubble opening with Australia we got more of the respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, so lots of babies needing a bit of help and turning up in hospital, so it's a pretty common thing at this time of the year," he says.
Dr Jansen says the new standards for rental housing should have a positive impact, so it's important landlords are held to account if they haven't made their houses warm and dry by the deadline.
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