Overall influenza activity in New Zealand remains at low levels. The seasonal influenza vaccination programme is being rolled out through GP practices over the coming weeks. This year's seasonal influenza vaccine contains three strains of influenza, including the current H1N1 strain, and will help protect New Zealanders against the flu. For more information txt FLU to 515, visit www.fightflu.co.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE or talk to your doctor or nurse.

During the week 22- 28 February 2010, overall influenza activity in New Zealand remained at the same low levels as in the previous week. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally remained below baseline. Counties Manukau DHB had the highest consultation rates for influenza-like illness 57.4 per 100,000 people, followed by Whanganui 28.2 per 100,000 and Southland 22.5 per 100,000 people. Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.

Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2010/08

International situation

As at 26 February 2010, WHO reports it is continuing to actively monitor the progress of the pandemic. In the northern hemisphere pandemic influenza virus continues to be detected across many countries, however, overall influenza activity continues to wane in most places. The most active areas of transmission are currenlty in parts of south and southeast Asia and in limited areas of east and southeastern Europe.

Since the pandemic began in April 2009, almost all countries have experienced outbreaks of pandemic influenza and over 16,000 laboratory-confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide.

For the WHO's latest updates on the global pandemic, check their website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/