May 19, 2023
Colder weather hastens flu season
Stay warm and get vaccinated.
That’s the advice from Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau chief medical officer Andrew Connolly who says winter is here and with it the flu.
Middlemore Hospital is extremely busy with a lot of people coming to the emergency department, but the hospital is coping in terms of staffing.
Dr Connolly says he’s just gone through a bout of influenza.
“It’s not pleasant and people who have got pre-existing health conditions can really get knocked by this so it’s a good time to be talking to your local pharmacy or GP about getting the jab if you can,” he says.
Dr Connolly says Middlemore’s triage system means the most critical cases are seen first, but others may face long waits, which is why in many cases people should try their GP first.