'Serious illness': Winter viruses start surge across the country

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026, 4:17pm

Winter illnesses are starting to rise as the cold weather begins to set in across New Zealand.

Healthline has started to receive more calls for flu-like illnesses, according to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science, with the common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most commonly detected respiratory viruses.

Immunisation Advisory Centre principal medical adviser Dr Nikki Turner said she expects to see a surge in flu cases across the country within the next few weeks.

“It’s usually accompanied by other nasty respiratory viruses, particularly RSV, which means we need to be prepared now to reduce the severity on individuals and communities, as well as our healthcare services,” Turner said.

She said it is important for people to be vaccinated and to remember some of the Covid pandemic protocols, such as social distancing and cough etiquette, to reduce the impact of the virus.

University of Auckland’s Dr Ji Yeon Park said people need to be aware the flu is more than just a bad cold.

Experts warn flu cases may soon start to rise across New Zealand. Photo / 123rf

“Influenza can be a serious illness that leads to hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, and sometimes death,” Park said.

“While most people recover after a few days of symptoms, others progress to serious complications.”

Professor Michael Baker, from the University of Otago, Wellington’s department of public health, said mortality rates tend to rise about this time of year.

“In a temperate country like Aotearoa New Zealand, the winter months are always the most dangerous,” Baker said.

“Mortality during the four coldest months of June to September is on average 14% higher than the rest of the year, resulting in around 1700 additional deaths annually.

“Influenza is estimated to contribute to almost a third of these excess winter deaths with many of the remainder associated with other seasonal infections such as RSV.

“Covid-19 is still adding to the burden of respiratory illness but is not seasonal.”

Baker said these deaths tend to be concentrated in older age groups and in those with underlying illnesses. He said vaccination is the most direct way to prevent illnesses such as influenza.

“We currently have influenza vaccine supplied each year from April 1, which provided good protection against serious illness, hospitalisation and death from this infection.

“All New Zealanders should take advantage of this vaccine, which is provided free for the highest risk groups.

“Getting your annual flu vaccine is also a good time to get your Covid-19 booster.”