Take care … there’s flu out there!

Influenza has made an early appearance in the Southern district and residents do what we can to stay well.

“This is much earlier in the year than the usual winter influenza season which is usually in July,” says Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Marion Poore.

Feeling sick?

• Call your GP practice first

• For advice about immunisation

visit www.fightflu.co.nz

• For free health advice, call

Healthline on 0800 611 116.

“The influenza vaccine will be available in April and it’s the best protection against the virus. Until the vaccine is available – the best defence against the flu is prevention.”

“Influenza can be dangerous – particularly for the very young, older people and people with long-term health conditions,” Dr Poore says.

Stop the spread:

• Thoroughly wash your hands and

use hand sanitiser

• Cover your nose and mouth, use

tissues to trap germs from coughs

and sneezes and promptly bin used

tissues

• When influenza vaccine is available

in April, get the vaccination

• If you are sick – stay home!

"We can all do our part by keeping well and stopping the spread."