The flu vaccine will not be available until April but the disease has not waited that long.
Dozens of Otago residents have likely already fallen foul of the seasonal illness.
Dunedin workplaces have had staff call in sick with influenza symptoms this week, and the University of Otago has had three students test positive.
''In a typical year it would usually be a winter illness, but it is a communicable disease that can happen any time of the year,'' Student Health Services GP clinical group leader Bret Dougherty said.
''We cannot accurately quantify how many cases we have seen, but it is in the realm of dozens, as opposed to hundreds.''
Both Southern District Health Board and Dunedin Urgent Doctors also reported an increased number of patients with influenza symptoms.
The strain of influenza afflicting people, influenza A (H3N2), is in this year's vaccine, but supplies will not be available in New Zealand until early next month.
SDHB medical officer of health Susan Jack said anyone who suspected they had influenza should treat or lessen the symptoms with rest, fluids and pain relief, but should consult a doctor or call Healthline if they felt very unwell.
Dr Dougherty said all students had been sent information about influenza, how to protect against it, and what to do if they felt unwell.
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Comments
The influenza H3N2 strain was included in the 2018 vaccinations - so everyone that was vaccinated last year is protected. This story appears to be deliberately trying to mislead people into thinking that there will be no protection until the new vaccine becomes available.