General information about the H1N1 influenza virus

Influenza (the flu) is a very infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave you ill for up to 10 days.

Symptoms of the flu include a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough, sore throat and/or a runny nose. It may take up to three days to feel symptoms after you catch the flu (the incubation period).

Anyone can get the flu. Being fit, active and healthy does not protect you. Anyone can die from the flu - it kills at least 100 New Zealanders every year including some young, fit people.

New Zealand has been planning for a serious flu outbreak for some time. The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has a national pandemic plan and District Health Boards have local plans.

Human influenza mostly travels from one person to another in virus-laden droplets that are about the size of very fine cement. These droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the nose and throat of people standing within a metre of that person. The virus can also spread if people touch wet droplets left on door handles, taps, lift buttons, stairwell railings and keyboards etc, then touch their face.

Travel information for TEOs

Many TEOs have international students. TEOs are reminded that they are still required to fully meet their obligations for pastoral care of learners.

TEOs should check www.safetravel.govt.nz for advice and information about travel to and from New Zealand during a pandemic.