Seasonal influenza, including swine flu, has returned this winter with vengeance.

The Whanganui District Health Board is reminding all visitors to stay home if they are infected to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Emergency Department Clinical Director Dr Athol Steward says that for the majority of people influenza is not a serious illness, however hospitalised patients are vulnerable to infection and the addition of a viral illness, such as influenza, could potentially be life threatening.

“For instance, if a patient with cardiac failure developed pneumonia caused by the flu it may overwhelm the ability of the heart to cope.”

It is important that people do not visit a patient if they are unwell. If you have a cough, sore throat or runny nose you should stay at home until you are fully well.

As a precaution all visitors are also encouraged to use the hand sanitiser, when entering and leaving the hospital, to help kill any virus and bacteria on their hands. 

Dr Steward says there are some key things the community can do to help prevent the spread of influenza and other winter viruses.

“Various measures help reduce the spread of influenza, these include washing and drying ones hands frequently and thoroughly. In addition, when coughing and sneezing cover your nose and mouth with your bent arm rather than your hand. Most importantly, stay at home if you are sick so you don’t expose the public to your illness.”

If you do get symptoms of influenza such as a high fever, headache, cough, sore throat, tiredness and aching all over, call your GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 as you may need medication which is best started within the first 24-48 hours of symptoms.