An increasing number of people have been affected by the spread of the influenza strain known as H3N2. While the name of the virus sounds similar to that of Star Wars’ R2D2, those afflicted will feel as though they’ve crash-landed on the Ice Planet Hoth. Christchurch has been hit hardest by the influenza, with over 60 people hospitalised, 12 of whom are in a critical condition.
The significant number of hospitalisations resulting from the flu outbreak has led to a push for people to get the flu vaccine. Health Minister Tony Ryall issued a statement in which he confirmed that the flu vaccine would continue to be made available to the public: “At this stage, the strains identified are covered by this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine. We have stock of around 20,000 vaccinations within the current budget, and we are advised that additional doses would be readily available.”
Although H3N2 is yet to be confirmed as present in Dunedin, Director of Student Health Dr Kim Maiai told Critic that surprisingly few students shelled out for the $20 jab before the “flu season”. Maiai confirmed that students are coming in with symptoms such as nausea, coughing, and a sore throat, all of which are common in cases of H3N2.
As with other flu outbreaks, Dr Maiai explained that the best way to prevent the spread of germs is common sense precautions like washing your hands as if you had OCD, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep. An interview with a Student Health staff member would not be complete without a desperate plea for students to lay off the drink, and Dr Maiai duly obliged.
One online doctor’s website has suggested that the H3N2 outbreak “is going to be worse than the swine flu epidemic”. While this claim is yet to come to fruition, Critic advises sick people to stay home and not be “that annoying coughing person” in lectures.
Student Health Sickened By Influenza Outbreak
