Overall influenza activity in New Zealand continues to be low with some small fluctuations, and this is not unexpected at this time of year.

The seasonal influenza vaccination programme was launched this week and 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, including the pandemic (swine) 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 1 - 7 March 2010, overall influenza activity in New Zealand showed a small increase from the low levels of the previous week. 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. International situation

As at 5 March 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 decline in most areas. The most active areas of transmission are currently in parts of Southeast Asia and in 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/