Vaccination a great early Christmas present, expert says
A senior New Zealand medical advisor is urging the public to get vaccinated against winter illnesses as RSV, influenza, and Covid-19 cases rise. While rhinovirus is currently the most common, RSV is driving the highest number of hospitalizations.
Why it matters
Public health officials are concerned about the strain on healthcare systems caused by a surge in respiratory viruses during the winter season.
A senior doctor is urging people to get vaccinated, even if it means paying for it, as winter illnesses spread.
Data shows rhinovirus is dominating illnesses picked up in primary care, while hospitalisations are being driven by RSV, influenza and Covid-19.
Dr Mamaeroa David, a senior Maori medical advisor with the Immunisation Advisory Centre and an Auckland GP, told Morning Report on Tuesday her three kids were "getting hit with a whole lot of snot germs" before the school holidays.
"We're very glad to have that little reprieve over the school holidays. But the cold has set in good and proper now and it's escalating all the respiratory diseases this winter.
"I just had a look at the PHF Science website last night , and the rhinovirus was chugging along nicely even before the school holidays…
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