Is this really the worst flu season ever?
New Zealand is experiencing a late-season spike in flu cases, putting pressure on the healthcare system. Experts suggest that while the strain is not necessarily more severe, the late peak has reduced the effectiveness of early-winter vaccinations.
Why it matters
Understanding the dynamics of flu transmission and vaccine timing is critical for public health planning and hospital resource management.
<p>A sharp spike in flu cases has come late in the season this year, adding to the pressure the health system is under already.</p> <p><b>By Kate Green for </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1350521/explainer-why-is-this-flu-season-so-bad" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>Dr Hannah Cooper, a public health physician in the health intelligence team at PHF Science, told RNZ there were a few different ways of defining a "bad" flu season.</p> <p>This season was bad because a lot of people were getting flu at once - but there was no conclusive data yet to show this particular strain was making people sicker than in previous years.</p> <h2>What's making this flu season so bad?</h2> <p>Officially, flu season in New Zealand runs from May to October.</p> <p>The virus causes symptoms like a fever, runny nose, cough or upset stomach, and there are many different types or strains circulating each year.</p> <p>Each flu season is influenced by the one before.
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